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FRUITS OF AMERICA
THE
FRUITS OF AMERICA,
CONTAINING
RICHLY COLORED FIGURES,
jFiill SrsrriptiotiB iif all \\)t rjjaireat f anetirii niWhM
IX T H K i;Xl'li:i> SJ'Ai'ES.
m^
BY C. M. HOVEY,
EDITOR OF THE lAIAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE;
CORRESPONDINO MEMBER OP THE CIXCIKNNATI HOETICULTURAL SOCIEIT, OHIO ; OF THE CLEAVELAND HORTICDLTURAL
SOCIETT, ETC. ; AND HONORARY MEMBER OF THE HORTICnl,TnRAL SOCIETIES OF NEW HAVEN, CONN.; PITTSBURG, PA.;
ROCHESTER, N. T. ; STEUBENVILLE, OHIO ; BURLINGTON, IOWA ; COLUMBUS, OHIO ; NEW BEDFORD, MASS, ETC.
YOLUME I.
BOSTON:
C. C. LITTLE & J AS. BROWN, AND HOVEY & CO.
NEW-YORK:
D. APPLETON & CO.
T-EASUHE m^
hv
Entered according to an act of Congress, in the year 1831,
By C. M. HovEY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
DCTTON AKD WENTWORTH, PRINTERS,
No. 37, CmgitH Bticet, Boatoa.
T O
ALL LOVERS OF POMOLOGICAL SCIENCE,
MORE ESPECIALLY TO THE SUBSCRIBERS
THE FRUITS OF AMERICA,
WHOSE AID AND ENCOURAGEMENT HAVE INSURED ITS SUCCESS,
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY THEIR FRIEND.
THE AUTHOR
i
PREFACE.
No ONE can be insensible to the rapid advancement which
Pomological science has made, within a short period. By the
accession of numerous foreign varieties of fruits, and by the
introduction to notice of an immense number of native seed-
lings, the small and meagre collections of former years, which
might be readily enumerated by dozens, have* no\v accumulated
to such an extent, that they are numbered by hundreds. By
the labors of Van Mons and his Belgian associates, — of Noisette
and his countrymen, — of Knight and other English cultivators, —
as well as by the aid of our own amateur and practical Horti-
culturists, the well-known fruits of the last century, with a
few exceptions, have given way to those of the present: the
ameliorating influences of cultivation, assisted by the principles
of science, have given to the world a catalogue of Fruits of
surpassing excellence.
But with this great accumulation of kinds, — and along with
the multitude of names, — has followed a confusion of nomen-
clature which has greatly retarded the general cultivation of the
newer and more valuable varieties ; and the labors of the most
ardent Pomologists have long been devoted to the attempt to
reduce the chaos of names to something like order. Much has
already been accomplished. The London Horticultural Society,
with all the means at its command, has been foremost in this
zealous work ; and the exertions of numerous enthusiastic culti-
vators, both at home and abroad, have aided in this laudable
enterprise. But there still remains ^ a great deal to be done
before Pomology can be rendered anything but an embarrassing
and perplexing study.
To contribute my share towards the accomplishment of this
important work, has been the principal object of the publication
of the Fruits of America. Having long experienced the disap-
pointment ever consequent upon a confused nomenclature, in
collecting together all the principal fruits at present known, I
have thought I could not better serve the cause of Pomological
science, than to attempt a work of this kind, as the most, if
not the only, effectual means of arriving at the end in view.
Vlll.
I do not think it necessary to enter into any argument to
show the great importance and value of colored drawings in
identifying fruits, and detecting synonymes. They are now gen-
erally acknowledged, when accurately and truthfully executed, —
and accompanied w^ith faithful descriptions, — to be the only safe
and reliable means of arriving at certain and satisfactory conclu-
sions. The high estimation in which the elegant folios of
Duhamel and Poiteau, and the splendidly-colored drawings in
the Transactions of the London Horticultural Society, and the
Pomological Magazine, are held by all Pomologists, attest this.
They have been of essential service in accomplishing what has
already been done towards the establishment of an uniform
nomenclature.
There is a national pride, too, which I feel in the publication
of a work like this ; and that is, that the delicious fruits which
have been producetl in our own country, many of them surpassed
by none of foreign growth, — and which are rendered doubly the
more valuable, because mured to our climate and adapted to our
soil, — will be here beautifully depicted ; and thus show to the
cultivators of the world that, though yet in the infancy of the
art, the skill of our Pomologists, unaided, too, by the experience
which cultivators abroad may so well claim, has already given
them a fair start on the road to success ; and, favored by Prov-
idence with a genial atmosphere and a cloudless sky, with the
enterprise, intelligence, and perseverance, so characteristic of our
people, why may we not hope that they will make the most
rapid advance in a science whose results are so conducive to
the health, the comfort, and the luxury of mankind.
One of the peculiarities of the work I would particularly
mention ; this is the engravings illustrating the habits and
characters of the trees. No similar work has attempted any-
thing of the kind. Their value, to me, seems of the greatest
importance ; for, although to an un practiced eye little difference
may be seen in many of the trees, to one who has studied
them at all seasons, and in all their aspects — in spring when
bursting into bud — in summer when w^reathed with foliage —
in autumn when weighed dOwn with fruit — and in Avinter when
divested of their verdure, — they have an indescribable likeness
which will at once enable all, who can appreciate the variable
forms peculiar to trees, to recognize each variety.
Having thus stated my objects in presenting the Fruits of
America to my countrymen, — leaving them to judge of the
faithfulness of the work, — I have only to say, that no exertions
will be spared to render the future volumes fully equal in every
respect to this; and to surpass it so far as the beautiful art,
in which it is executed, is capable of being improved.
SUBSCRIBERS
Albany, N. Y.
Erastus Corning, (Quarto Copy.)
S. Van Rensselaer, ( Quarto Copy.)
New York State Lib. (Q. Copy.)
Herman Wendell,
Joel Rathbone,
C. P. Williams.
Angers, France.
Andre Lero}-.
Andover, Mass.
Peter Smith,
W. H. Wardwell.
Boston.
Abbott Lawrence,
John J. Uixwell,
Frederic Tudor,
Isaac Livermore,
Deming Jarves,
Francis J. Oliver,
Charles Francis Adams,
Josiah Bradlee,
H. H. Hunnewell,
Wm. F. Whitney, (Quarto Copy.)
Francis Skinner,
John Dane,
Charles H. Mills,
Hugh R. Kendall,
Jon. I. Bowditch,
Aaron D. Weld,
Samuel Do%vner, Jr.,
Henry Rice,
Robert M. Morse,
Ed. C. R. Walker,
Charles Amory,
Jonas Chickering,
Samuel Appleton,
Thomas H. Perkins,
John A. Lowell,
Mrs. John Heard,
Ed. W. Dana,
James Read,
James W. Paige.
Uriel Crocker.
John N. Dcnnisan.
John Henshaw,
George A. Simmons,
Winthrop Richardson,
Edward A. Raymond,
Samuel A. Eliot,
George W. Shaw,
Charles G. Loring,
Nathan Appleton,
John C. Warren,
Joseph V. Bacon,
Henry W. Dutton,
J. S. Copley Greene,
Lemuel Pope,
William R. Austin,
John J. May,
John L. Tucker,
John H. Wilkins,
Lorenzo D. Prouty,
Benjamin Loring,
Joseph Breck,
Edward Chamberlain,
John S. Hooper,
M. S. Scudder,
James Brown,
Charles C. Little,
Ed. S. Rand,
Otis Brewer,
Aaron D. Webber,
Levi Brigham,
George W. Wales,
James Vila,
Mass. State Library, (Q. Copy. J
James G. Thompson,
David A. Simmons,
Mass. Hort. Soc, (Quarto Copy. J
Edward N. Perkins.
Joel Nourse,
Gardiner H. Shaw,
James Wentworth,
M. H. Simpson.
Burlington, Iowa.
Horticultural Society,
E. D. Rand.
Black Rock, N. Y.
Lewis F. Allen.
Bridgevv'ater, Mass.
Nahum Stetson.
Baltimore, Md.
William C. Wilson.
Brighton, Mass.
Lyman Winship.
Burlington, Vt.
Chauneey Goodrich.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Buffalo Horticultural Society,
Lewis Eaton,
H. M. Rogers.
Bangor, Me.
Isaac Farrar.
Cambridge, Mass.
Edward Everett,
Zelotes Hosmer,
George Livermore,
William Greenough,
Samuel P. Allen,
Nathaniel J. Wyeth,
Aaron Rice,
Hiram Brooks,
Daniel Chaplain,
Aaron B. Magoun,
E. A. Sophocles,
John Livermore,
Edward Dowling,
Z. L. Raymond,
Jesse Fogg,
William G. Stearns,
Jared Sparks,
Joel Parker,
Charles Beck.
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cincinnati Horticultural Society,
A. H. Ernst.
Columbia, S. C.
Henr}' Lyons.
Coshocton, Ohio.
T. S. Htimriokhousp. (Q. Copy.)
X.
Chicago, 111. i
Chicago Horticultural Society.
Concord, Mass.
John B. Moore,
Canawdaigua, N. Y.
John Greig, (Quarto Cojnj.)
Cank Crekk, N. C.
J. & T. Lindiej.
Charlestown, N. H.
Richard Hubbard.
Cleaveland, Ohio.
Cleaveland Horticultural Society,
William Case,
F. R Elliott.
Columbus, Ga.
Charles A. Peabody, (2 copie.s.)
Chicopee. Mass.
Rufus Whittier.
Dorchester, Mass.
Edward and Franklin King.
John H. Welch,
Detroit, Mass.
J. C. Holmes.
Dayton, Ohio.
J. D. Philips.
DuxBCRT, Mass.
J. A. Sampson.
East Bridgewater, Mass.
George Bryant.
East Greenwich, R. I.
Benjamin H. Barber.
Flushing, L. I.
William R. Prince.
Fair Grove, N. C.
Charles Mock.
Great Bend, N. Y.
Charles E. Clarke.
Hempstead, L. I.
Robert Parnell.
Hancock, N. H.
Ebenezer Ware, Jr.
Jersey City, N. J.
D. S. Gregory, (Quarto Copy.)
Leominster, Mass.
Frederick Hills.
Lynn, Mass.
Richard S. Fay.
LONGMEADOW, MaSS.
Francis T. Cordis.
MoRRISTOWN, N. J.
Samuel J. Gustiu.
Marblehead, Mass.
John Hooper, Jr.
Mount Carmel, Ohio.
Robert Neal.
Mabetsville, N. Y.
John. R. Comstock.
New York.
Robert T. Underhill,
William Roberts,
J. M. Thorburn, &. Co.
P. S. Van Rensselaer,
R. F. Carman,
George C. Thorburn,
Thomas Oliver,
D. F. Manice, (Qiuirto Copy.)
Charles Stetson, (Quarto Copy.)
R. B. Coleman, (Quarto Copy.)
Fred. Griffing, (Quarto Copy J
Thomas Dunlap.
William Niblii,
Thomas Hogg,
William T. McCoun,
J. De Wolfe.
Newburg, N. Y.
A.J. Downing,
Charles Downing,
A. Saul.
New Bedford, Mass.
Henry H. Crapo,
S. w'. Rodman.
Norton, Mass.
Ira Barrows.
New Haven, Conn.
John Bromham.
Philadelphia.
Penn. Hort. Soc, (Quarto Copy.)
John P. W^etherell,
William Wetherell,
D. Ritchie.
Princeton, N. J.
Richard S. Field.
Providence, R. I.
B. W. Comstock.
QuiNCY, Mass.
William Torrey.
RoxBURY, Mass.
George R. Russell,
John Parkinson,
Horatio Davis,
Raynham, Mass.
John A. Hall.
Reading, IVLiss.
Seth H. Temple.
Rochester, N. Y.
E. F. Crissey,
J. W. Bissell.
James H. Watts,
James F. Whitney,
James C. Campbell,
J. R. Murray,
D. M. Dewey,
Ellwanger & Barry.
Stoneham, Mass.
Amasa Farrier.
Salem, Mass.
Joseph H. Cabot.
Springfield, Mass.
Benjamin K. Bliss.
Saxonville, Mass.
D. H. Burns.
Springfield, III.
W^illiam C. Greenleaf.
Syracuse, N. Y.
E. W. Leavenworth,
Thorpe & Smith.
St. Louis, Mo.
St. Louis Hort. Soc. ^Qjwr. Copy.)
Troy, N. Y.
William Hopkins,
D. T. Vail.
Taunton, Mass.
William R. Crocker.
W^ashington, D. C.
U. S. Pat. Office, ^Quarto Copy.)
Congres. Library, (Quarto Copy.)
Francis P. Blair,
Edmund Burke,
George W. Riggs, Jr.
Joshua Pierce.
Waterville, N. Y.
Amos O. Osborn,
William R. Osborn,
Charles D. Palmer,
James M. Tower.
Winchendon, Mass.
H. Harwood.
Waltham, Mass.
George Leland.
Watertown, Mass.
John P. Cashing.
West Needham, Mass.
G. G. Hubbard.
Wilmington, Mass.
Walter Blanchard.
Worcester, Mass.
Worcester Horticultural Society.
John W. Lincoln,
D. Waldo Lincoln,
Sam'l Salisbury, (Quarto Copy.)
John C Mason,
Samuel H. Colton.
C 0 N T E X T S
O'The Standard names arc in Roman letter; and the Sijuoin/mcs in Italics.
APPLES.
Baldwin, 11
Late Baldwin, 11
Benoni, 83
Early Harvest, 75
Early French Reinette. 73
( Hubbardston Nonsuch, G7
Harvest, 75
July Pippin, 73
July Early Pippin, 75
Large Early, 75
Large Early Harvest, 75
Large White Juneating, 73
, Northern Spy, 19
Pecker, 11
Porter, 43
Prince's Harvest, 75
Red Astrachan, 33
Steele's Red Winter, 11
Tart Bough, 73
Yellow Harvest, 75
CHERRIES.
Allen's Favorite, 23
Bigarreau de Mai, 33
Baumann's May, 33
Black Eagle, 83
Cerise Anglaise Tardive 37
Early Purple Guigne, 93
Early Purple Griotte, 93
Late Duke, 37
May Bigarreau, 55
Sweet Montmorency, 23
PEACHES.
Crawford's Early, 29
Crawford's Early Melacaton, 29
Early York, 43
Early Purple, 45
Early Crawford, 29
Large Early York, 45
Stetson's Seedling, 33
PEARS.
Andrews, 97
Amory, 97
Barnard, 51
Belle Heloise, 47
Belle de Berry, 47
Belle Lucrative, 41
Beurre d' Aremberg, 1
Beurre d' Aremberg, 7
Beurre Descfiamps, ]
Beurre Bosc, 65
Beurre Diel, 77
Beurre d' Yelle, 77
Beurri d' Yelle, 65
Beurre d' Hirer Nouvelle, 7
Beurre d'Hardenpont, 7
Beurre de Malines, 15
Beurre de Cambron, 7
Beurri des Orphelines, 1
Beurre on Bonne Louise Auradore, 39
Beurre d' Anjou, 61
Beurre Incomparable, 77
Beurre Magnijique, 77
Beurre Royal, 77
Beurre Sieulle, 17
Beurri^ Spence, 51
Beurrt^ Lucrative, 41
Bergamot d'Avranches, 39
Bergamot Lucrative, 41
Bonne de Malines, 15
Bosch, 51
Bosc Sire, -. 31
Base's Flaschenhirne, 13
Boitche Nouvelle, 31
Bt illiant, 31
Burger meester, 47
Calebasse Bosc, 65
Celesiin, 5
Colmar Deschainps, 1
Colmar d'Hiver, 7
Clion, 47
D' Aremberg Parfait, 1
De Melon, 77
Dearborn's Seedling 63
Xll.
Deschumps, 1
Despoilberg, 13
- Diel....... 77
Dix, 69
Des Trois Tours 77
Diets Butlerhirne, 77
Dillen, 77
Dorothee Royal, '7
Doijenne d'Ete, 59
Doyenne de Juillet, 59
Doyenne Boussock, 31
Doyenne Boussock Nouvelle, 31
Doyenne Brovssach, 31
Doyenne Sieulle, 17
Duchess of Angoulcme. 73
Duchess of Orleans, 91
Due d' Aremberg, 1
Dumas, 47
Etourneau, 15
Flemish Beauty, 51
Fondante d^ Automne^ 41
Fondante du Bois, 51
Fourcroy Bouvier, 77
Gibson, 07
Golden Beurre of Bilboa,. . , 99
Golden Beurre, 99
Gore^s Heathcot, 89
Gros Dillen, 77
Grosse Dorothee., 77
Glout Morceau, 7
Got Luc de Cambron, 7
Goulu Morceau, 7
Hardenpont d'Hiver, 7
Hardenpont's Winter Butterbeirne, 7
Heathcot, 89
Hooper's Bilboa, 99
Jmperatricc de France, 51
Josephine, 51
Kronprim Ferdinand, 7
Kronprinz Ferdinand Van Oestreich, 7
Las Canas, 71
L' Orpoline, 1
La Belle de Flandres, 51
La Bonne Malinoise, 15
LeCure, 47
Linden d'Automne, 7
^ Louise Bonne of Jersey, 39
Louise Bonne de Boulogne, 5
Louise Bonne d'Avranches, 39
Melon de Kops, 77
Milanaise Cuvelier, 15
Monsieur, 47
Monsieur le Cure, 47
Marianne Nouvelle, 65
A'e Plus Meuris, 61
Nelis d'Hiver, 15
Onondaga, 21
Onondaga Seedling, 21
Paradise d'Automne, 57
Pater Nolle, 17
Poire de Boulogne, 5
Poire de Jersey, 39
Poire de Mons, 13
Roi de IVurtemberg, 7
liosliezer 49
Saint Andre, 79
Soldat Labourer, 1
Sieulle, 17
Stuck, 7
Summer Doijenne, 59
Swan's Orange, 21
Sylvange Verte d'Hiver, 77
Tyson, 33
Van Mons Leon le Clerc, 5
Vicompte de Spoelberch, 13
Vicomple de Spoelberg, 13
Winter Nelis, 15
William the Fourth, 39
Vicar of Winkjield, 17
PLUMS.
Bolmar, 87
Bolmars Washington, 87
Bury Seedling, 81
Coe's, 81
Coe's Golden Drop, 81
Coe's Imperial, 81
Fair's Golden Drop, 81
Franklin, 87
Golden Gage, 81
Golden Drop, 81
King of Plums, 81
New Washington, 87
New Golden Drop, 81
Superior Gage, 87
Superior Green Gage, 87
Thomas, 95
Washington, 87
Waterloo, 81
STRAWBERRIES.
Boston Pine, 27
Hovey 's Seedling, 25
TEE BEUEEE D J^EEMBE'EG PEAP.
Fruits oF America, i' fate iT"
I'rawTi from xVature & CiiXofiLO Slfi<^ hv iiliarp ^ i'oJL.
THE BEURRE^ D'AREMBERG PEAR.
Beukre'' d'Aremberg. Hort. Trans, vol. v. p. 406.
Due d'Aremberg, )
Deschamps, > Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
L'Orpoline, )
Beurre' des Orphelines,\
Beurre' Deschamps, \ ^ /-. n x-
^ T^ ' V of some Collections.
CoLMAR Deschamps,
D'A.tEMBERG PaRFAIT, I
SoLDAT Labourer, of some French and Belgian Collections.
Among all the pears, which have been produced by
the French and Belgian pomologists, none hold a
higher rank than the Beurre d'Aremberg. It pos-
sesses, in a remai'kable degree, all those superior
qualities — ^liardiness, adaptation to various soils, pro-
ductiveness, ripening freely, and keeping well — which
constitute a first-class fruit. It is now upwards of
twenty-five years since it was first introduced to Eng-
land, and more than twenty years since it was added
to American collections, through the liberality of the
late Mr. Knight, who sent it to the Hon. John Lowell,
from which source it has been disseminated ; but it is, with us, compara-
tively a new variety, and, as yet, very httle known. M. Noisette, a cele-
brated French cultivator, many years ago, as early as 1805, introduced
to Paris a fine pear, which he brought from the Due d'Aremberg's garden,
in Belgium, which was widely disseminated as the BemTe d'Aremberg;
but it subsequently proved to be the Glout Morceau, and hence has
arisen the confusion which now exists in regard to these varieties. Proba-
bly not more than one in ten of all the trees which are sold from the
French nurseries, are the true d'Aremberg; and it has been doubted by
some, whether the latter is even known in their collections. Several of
the Enghsh nurseries also disseminate the Glout Morceau under the
name of the Beurre d'Aremberg, and many American nurserymen still
continue the same error. It is singular that so great a mistake should
have been so long perpetuated, when the trees are so very dissimilar ;
and it shows how important, in the identification of varieties, are the
wood, leaves, and habit of growth of the tree.
The Beurre d'Aremberg was raised about thirty-five years ago, by the
Abbe Deschamps, at Enghein, in the garden of the Hospice des Orphe-
lines, in that city. Deschamps called it, after the place, Beurre des
[U
BEURRE' D'AKEMBERG PEAR.
Oi-phelines; M. Van Mons soon after named it Beurre Beauchamps, in
honor of its discoverer; others called it Bern-re d'Hai'denpont ; and
finally, the name of Beurre d'Aremberg was given to it by mistake, but,
becoming most general, it has been retained.
After so many years of confusion, in regard to the BemTe d'Aremberg
and Glout Morceau, it is a principal object with cultivators to know
every means of identifying the two lands ; and we have selected these
two varieties, not only on account of their intrinsic merits, but in order
to bring together a comparison in this respect. The fruits of the two
ripen at the same season, and often have a great resemblance; but in
all other characteristics there can be no two kinds scarcely more unhke.
The habit of growth of the Beurre dAxemberg is erect and regular, —
that of the Griout Morceau, spreading and irregular. This we have illus-
trated in the vignettes accompanying our descriptions of each, which ai-e
taken from oui* specimen trees, three years planted out, and now in a
bearing state. The wood of the Bern-re d'Ai'emberg is slender, long-
jointed, with short, rounchsh buds, and of a clear yellowish brown ; — that
of the Glout Morceau, stout, short-jointed, with veiy prominent, pointed,
diverging buds, and of a dai-k ohve. The leaves of the former are nar-
row and folded, with scarcely any serrature ; — those of the latter, broad,
wavy, and deeply serrated.
The Beurre d'Aremberg is a most productive variety, and to have the
fruit of good size it is necessary to thin them considerably. The fruit
has, also, the rare merit of not being blown off the trees easily by heavy
winds. It grows freely either upon the quince or pear, and comes into
bearing, generally, about the third year. It prefers a good strong loamy
soil, but produces good crops on such as are quite unfavorable to some
other varieties. The fruit, when gathered, if put into clean barrels or
boxes and placed in a cool situation, ripens as freely as the Baldwin
apple.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, erect, with upright branches, rather
compact and regular in growth ; the lateral shoots often pushing near
the extremity of the main branches.
Wood. — Clear yellowish brown, sprinkled with oblong, pale brown
specks; on trees of some age, sHghtly raised above the bark; growth
erect, rather slender, long-jointed, with small, short, plump buds :
Flower-buds oval, with smooth brown scales.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong, tapering little to the end, rather hght
green, nearly entire on the old wood, but shghtly serrated on the young
growth, somewhat folded, and often with the mid-rib much recurved:
petioles medium length.
[2]
BEURRE' D'AREJMBERG PEAR.
Flowers. — Large, yellowish white; petals oblong, recurved at the
edges, and tapering much to the claw, which
is long.
Fruit. — ^Medium size, often large, about
three inches long and two and three quailers
in diameter: Form, obovate, slightly angular,
full at the crown, and tapering gradually to
the stem: Sldn, somewhat rough, pale green,
becoming pale yellow when mature, russeted
around the eye, with many tracings and slight
markings of bright russet over the surface :
Stem, short, about half an inch, stout, knobby and uneven, green and
brown, fleshy at the base, and very obliquely inserted without any cavity :
Eye, small, closed, and deeply sunk in a smooth, funnel-shaped basin ;
segments of the calyx short, sometimes entirely absent : Flesh, yellow-
ish white, rather coarse, melting and very juicy : Flavor, exceedingly
rich, vinous, refreshing and dehcious, with a high perfume : Core, lai'ge :
Seeds, large, roundish, plump, pale brown.
The usual season of maturity is January, but it often ripens as early
as November, and, with Httle care, it may frequently be kept till Feb-
ruary.
[3]
^-... \\
TEE CtlOUT MORCEAU PEAR.
PniLts of Aiiit;r[rd, Elare JN'°
Drawn f'roia ffrtture 0 (.'liromo litlif Iiv Slkirp li Son.
THE GLOUT MORCEAU PEAR.
>- Hort. Soc. Cat., 3d Ed. 1842.
Glout Morceau. Hort. Trans., vol. vii., p. 179, pi. 4, fig. 2.
Beurre' d'Hardenpont, "^
Hardenpont d'Hiver,
CoLMAR d'Hiver,
Beurre' d'Hiver Nouvelle,
Got Luc de Cameron,
Kronprinz Ferdinand,
Beurre' de Cambron,
Kronprinz Ferdinand Von Oestreich,
Linden d'Automne,
roi de wurtemberg,
GouLu Morceau,
Hardenpont's Winter Butterbirne,
Stuck,
Beurre' d'Aremberg, of French Authors and Collections
of some German Collections.
The Glout Morceau, from its having been so
generally disseminated under the name of the
Beurre d'Aremberg, is to be found in almost every
good collection of pears ; and those who have re-
ceived it under that name may be gratified to
know, that they possess a variety, whose merits,
according to Mr. R. Thompson, ai-e superior to
those of the true Beurre d'Aremberg. Though we
do not give it a higher rank than the latter pear,
still we consider it in every respect as equal to it,
and deserving a place in all collections, however small and select. The
two varieties are quite unhke as regards flavor ; the Beurre d'Aremberg
being sprightly and vinous, while the Glout Morceau is rich and sugary,
mthout the least acid. Those, therefore, who hke a sweet or honied peai',
would give the preference to the latter; while those who hke a brisk
and refreshing one, to the former. It is a remarkably hardy and vigor-
ous variety, preferring a strong soil rather than a hght one ; an abundant
beai'er, ripening freely and keeping well. It succeeds admirably upon
the quince, small trees producing very heavy crops ; but, on the pear, it
is more tardy in coming into bearing than the d'Aremberg.
We have already stated that one of the principal objects, in selecting
the BemTe d'Aremberg and Glout Morceau for this number, was to make
a comparison of the two, and point out the means of identification, that
the confusion so long existing might be cleai*ed up. In om' account of
the Beurre d'Aremberg, we described the difierence in the growth, wood,
and leaves of each ; and the accompanying vignettes are annexed to rep-
[51
GLOUT MORCEAU PEAR.
resent more plainly the dissimilarity of habit, — so great as to distinguish
them at the first glance. Our artist has executed our drawing with great
fidehty ; and a careful comparison of the wood and leaves of the two va-
rieties, will show how much they differ in these important points. The
Glout Morceau is more variable in its form than the Beurre d'Aremberg,
but its general shape is that we have represented, which is from a stand-
ard tree upon the pear stock : frequently they are more obtuse and an-
gular, with very stout stems, somewhat resembhng the quince, especially
when grown upon the quince stock ; and our outhne engTaving on the
next page represents a specimen of the latter character.
The Glout Morceau was raised in Belgium, by Counsellor Harden-
pont, of Mons, and was sent to England, at the same time as the Bem-re
d'Aremberg, in 1820, by M. Parmentier, of Enghein. Mr. Knight sent
it to Mr. Lowell, in 1832, under the name of Colmar d'Hiver, and Mr.
Manning received it just afterwards, from the London Horticultural So-
ciety. The meaning of the name has been a subject of much conjecture
and inquuy ; and the explanation which appears most reasonable is that
of Mr. Thompson, who thinks it originated from the words Glout (or
Goulu), sitgar, and Morceau, morsel — ^meaning, from its richness, sugar
or honied morsel ; an appellation which it fully deserves.
In the Pomologkal Ilagazine, (vol. ii. p. 83,) is a figure of the Beurre
d'Aremberg pear, but so unlike any specimens which have come under
our observation, as to lead us to the supposition that it was made from
the Glout Morceau, by mistake. The wood is described as clear yellow-
ish brown, while, in the plate, it is dark olive ; the leaves ai'e stated to be
nearly entire, while they are represented with deep serratm^es ; the stem,
which is so pecuhar and obhque in the Beurre d'Aremberg, is long,
straight, smooth, and deeply inserted, in the drawing ; and, finally, the
flavor is stated to be " extraordinary rich and sweet," while Mr. Thomp-
son has very recently described it as having an " acidity" which some do
not approve. M. Poiteau figures it, in his Pomologie Fmngaise, (vol. ii.
pi. 70,) as the BemTe d'Aremberg; and M. Noisette, in the Jardin Fruit-
ier, (vol. iii. p. 170,) gives a drawing of it under the same name.
Tree. — ^Vigorous, branching off regularly from the main stem, at right
angles, when the trees are young, but, at the age of four or five years,
assuming a spreading, nregular, and often declining habit.
Wood. — Dark ohve, sprinkled with distinct, round, grayish specks,
short-jointed, with short, stout, crooked spurs ; on its becoming older,
the bark assumes a very pecuHai' grag appeai-ance ; buds, diverging, broad
at the base, short, and very pointed; flower-buds of medium size, oblong,
tapering much to the point, with rather smooth, brown scales.
16]
GLOUT MORCEAU PEAR,
Leaves. — Broad, thick, deep green, wavy at the edges, deeply and
sharply serrated : petioles rather short and stout.
Flowers. — Medium size, about an inch in
diameter, of a beautiful white, and opening
nearly flat.
Fruit. — Lai'ge, about three inches long and
two and a half in diameter: Form, shghtly
oblong, large and full at the crown, suddenly
contracted near the stem, and ending in an
obtuse point : Skin, rough and pale green, be-
coming of a rich, waxen yellow when mature,
russeted around the stem, with traces of russet over the surface, inter-
spersed with dark greenish and grayish russet specks : Stem, medium
length, about one inch, very thick, especially when taken from the tree ;
uneven, smooth, pale russety brown, and obhquely inserted in a shght
cavity: Eye, medium size, open and deeply sunk in a rather fm-rowed
basin : Flesh, white, fine, buttery, melting and very juicy : Flavor, rich,
sugaiy, perfumed and dehcious : Core, lai'ge : Seeds, large.
Ripe from December to February, according to the season ; its usual
period, December.
17]
THETA.V MOA^S lEOK IE CLERC PEAPv
Irucrs oF ATiwrica , prate F
Drawn from Ifatiire S- CTn'omc Irfli'T 5^ iSharv &- ^'^
THE VAN MONS LE ON LE CLERC PEAR.
Van Mons Le^on le Clekc, Gard. Mag., vol. xv., p 579.
Poire de Boulogne, 1
Celestin, \ of some French Collections.
Louise Bonne de Boulogne, j
No peai* of recent introduction has been heralded
with more praise than the Van Mons Leon le Clerc.
Some writers have called it the best pear in exist-
ence; wliile others, among whom was Van Mons,
have given it the highest rank among the numer-
ous varieties which have been produced. These
encomiums, however, have not been improperly be-
stowed, for its character has been fully maintained
since its introduction to American collections, not-
withstanding the last was rather an unfavorable
season for some varieties. It possesses the good
quahties of hai'diness, productiveness, and coming early into bearing;
and, notwithstanding the very large size of the fruit, it ripens off well,
attaining a rich and beautiful color, and comes in at a desirable season,
between the late fall and early winter varieties, when there is a scarcity
of first-rate pears. Viewing all its properties, it may be truly ranked
among the best which have yet enriched our collections.
The Van Mons Leon le Clerc is stated to have been raised from seed
by M. Leon le Clerc, of Laval, France, and a full account of its origin
will be found in the Magazine of Horticulture, (vols. vi. p. 47, and vii. p.
285.) It was offered for sale, in the faU of 1838, by M. Langeher, of
Jersey, in whose hands M. le Clerc placed the entire stock. The supe-
riority of the specimens exhibited before the London Horticultural Soci-
ety, and the opinion of Mr. Thompson that its quahties were of "first-
rate excellence," created a great demand for the trees, which were
disposed of at a guinea each.
The Leon le Clerc flourishes equally as well upon the quince as upon
the pear, and comes early into bearing, about as early as WilHams's Bon
Chretien. A rich, warm and deep soil seems to be the most favorable to
the growth of superior fruit.
Tkee. — Moderately vigorous, with upright and somewhat irregular
branches; the bark on the old wood assuming, in different places, a
dark, coarse and crackled appearance, similar to that of an oak.
Wood. — Clear yellowish oHve, rather short-jointed, very smooth on
the young growth, and sprinkled with distinct, slightly oblong, grayish
[9]
VAN MONS LE'ON LE CLERC PEAR.
white specks ; buds, medium size, short, flattened and pointed, with rather
prominent shoulders : Flower-buds long and rather obtuse, with loose,
grajdsh scales.
Leaves. — ^Medium size, rather long and narrow, tapering much to the
point, nearly smooth, bright green and glossy, with scarcely perceptible
serratures : petioles long and slender.
Flowers. — Small; petals yellowish white.
Fruit. — ^Large, about four and a half inches long, and three inches
in diameter: Form, obtuse pyramidal, nearly regular, largest about
the middle, tapering to a shghtly obtuse point at the stem : Skin, fair,
smooth, pale yellow, becoming orange when mature, httle russeted at the
base of the stem, shghtly browned on the sunny side, and regulaiiy
sprinkled with numerous small russet specks: Stem, medium length,
about one inch, moderately stout, curved, and obhquely inserted, httle
on one side, in a very shallow cavity: Eye, large, open, and rather deeply
depressed in an open and shghtly ridged basin ; segments of the calyx
long, pointed, and so much reflexed as to he quite back upon the fruit :
Flesh, yellowish, fine, buttery, melting and juicy : Flavor, rich, brisk,
vinous, perfumed and dehcious : Core, medium size : Seeds, large, veiy
long and pointed.
BiPE in November, and is in eating from four to five weeks.
[10]
TPr£ BALDWIN" APPLE
Pi'uit? of America, Pl.ite N^'
DriiM'ii f'rori! .Naliiie & CIiToiiiu, Fttli'' by Sliarp w li'oh
THE BALDWIN APPLE.
Baldwin. Thatcher's American Orchardist, p. 121.
Pecker, 1
Late Baldwin, > of some American Collections.
Steele's Red Winter, }
The Baldwm is the most populai' apple of New
England, and is cultivated to a much gi-eater ex-
tent than any other variety. Several lai'ge and
fine orchards are to be found in the vicinity of
Boston, some of which produce about one thou-
sand barrels of fruit every bearing year. For ex-
portation, it is much sought after; and the lai-ge
number of fifteen hundi'ed barrels have been sent
to the East Indies in one season. Considering
the hardiness, vigor, productiveness, and adapta-
tion to all soils, of the Baldwin, and its size,
beauty, long keeping and superior flavor, it must be ranked among the
veiy finest apples which this country has yet produced.
The Baldwin originated in the town of Wilmington, in Middlesex Coun-
ty, about a century ago ; and the most correct account of it we have ever
read, appeared in the Magazine of Horticulture for 1835, (vol. i.) The
original tree grew on the farm of Mr. John Ball : this farm was situated
about three miles southeast of Lowell: Mr. Ball purchased the farm,
then wholly uncultivated, about the yeai' 1740, and, not long after, this
vaiiety came up in a lane leading from the house to the bam. Its cul-
tivation was confined to the immediate neighborhood for many years,
when the late Col. Baldwin, of Woburn, became acquainted with it. He
at once perceived its great excellence and brought it into notice, and fi-om
him it received its present name. In 1817, the original tree was ahve,
but, between that period and 1832, it disappeared.
From Woburn, the cultivation of this apple extended to the adjoining
towns, and, in West Cambridge and Watertown, the orchards which were
planted were chiefly filled with Baldwins. From the period of its first
introduction to notice, it has continued to increase in popularity, and, at
the present time, notwithstanding the increase of new sorts, the variety
which is in the greatest demand with nm-serymen, as weU as that which
is the most sought after in the market, is the Baldwin.
The Baldwin grows vigorously and forms a large and handsome head,
rather compact, unless judiciously pruned. It appears adapted to all
soils ; but that which suits it best, and in which the finest and highest-
colored specimens are produced, is a strong, rich loam.
nn
BALDWIN APPLE.
Teee. — ^Vigorous, very straight, erect, and regularly branched when
young, as represented in the vignette, which is from a tree two yeai's
budded ; when full grown, forming a large round head.
Wood. — Deep reddish chestnut, stout, slightly downy, rather long-
jointed, and sprinkled with large, round, white specks ; buds rather large,
with prominent shoulders, broad, obtuse, flattened and inclining towards
the branch. Flower-buds oval, with brown scales, and slightly woolly.
Leaves. — Lai^ge, thick, cordate at the base, roundish ovate, suddenly
tapering to a point, doubly and rather obtusely serrated, wavy, and cmied
inwards at the edges ; the under side downy, with strong, reddish nerves ;
petioles stout and rather short; stipules medium length, hneai\
Flowees. — Large and showy, tinged with pink
Feuit. — Large, about two and a half inches deep, and three brood:
Form, roundish, largest about the middle, and naiTowing little to the
eye : Skin, fair, smooth, glossy, bright yellow in the shade, but neai'ly
covered with deep orange red, approaching to scarlet, indistinctly striped
with crimson, and covered with prominent grayish specks, thickest near
the crown; blotched with russet in the cavity around the stem, which,
in soine specimens, extends in irregular tracings over the base of the
fruit: Stem, medium length, about three quai'ters of an inch, rather
slender, curved, and obhquely inserted in a regular and moderately deep
cavity: Eye, medium size, closed, and sunk in a rather deep and slightly
plaited or furrowed hollow ; segments of the calyx long ■ and woolly :
Flesh, yellowish, fine, crisp and tender : Juice, abundant, sugary, with a
delicious admixtui-e of acid, rich, brisk, and high-flavored: Core, medium
size, very close : Seeds, rather lai-ge and pointed, but mostly abortive.
Ripe in December, and keeps in excellent condition till May or June
[12]
THE YICOHPTE EE SPOEIBERCE PEAR.
Prartx of AwrrcaPlate f "
DraiviitroniFalui'eA Chronic Iitfi'i b)- SFiarp & Son.
THE VICOMPTE DE SPOELBERCH PEAR.
VicoMPTE DE Spoelberch. Revue des Revues. {N. E. Farmer, vol. x.)
ViCOMPTE DK SpOILBERG, 1
Despoilberg, \ of some French Collections.
Poire de Mons, ^
About the year 1829, the late Mr. Manning, Gen,
Dearborn, and Wm. Kenrick, with the zeal which they
ever manifested in pomological science, opened a cor-
respondence with Dr. Van Mons, for the purpose of
securing some of the new and fine varieties of pears
which he had originated. Then- request for scions was
most hberally complied with, and, in the spring of
1831, upwards of seventy varieties were received, em-
bracing, as Dr. Van Mons stated, the sorts which pos-
sessed the "greatest merit" in his extensive collection;
and, among them, the Spoelberch. With the scions, Dr.
Van Mons sent a copy of his Pomographie Belgiqiie Moderne, which con-
tained Hthographed figures of several of his choicest seedhngs, and also
several parts of the Revue des Revues, a work in which complete descrip-
tions of all his best pears were to be given by himself. Gen. Dear-
born immediately made a translation of the descriptions of those which
Dr. Van Mons designated as the best, and the Vicompte de Spoelberch
was one of the number. In consequence of the high character given to
this variety, cultivators were very anxious to possess it ; but we beheve,
until 1845, it had not fruited in any of the collections around Boston.
Unfortunately, the first package of scions received were so long de-
layed on the passage, that nearly or quite all died. Later, a duphcate
lot of scions was forwarded, but the Vicompte de Spoelberch was one
among the number which never survived. It first fruited in oui" collec-
tion in 1845, firom trees received from Jersey, and it proves to be an ex-
ceedingly rich and dehcious pear, somewhat of the character of the Winter
Nelis. It was named in honor of the Vicompte de Spoelberch, a mem-
ber of the Botanical and AgTicultural Society of Louvain.
The Vicompte de Spoelberch is of moderately vigorous growth, and
flourishes either upon the pear or quince stock. It comes into bearing
early, and is a productive variety. Our specimens were from a small
tree upon the quince,' about four years from the bud or graft.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, erect, and of rather compact habit, with
the ends of the branches inclining towards the main stock : annual
shoots rather stout, wrinkled, and contorted.
[13]
t
VICOMPTE DE SPOELBERCH PEAR.
Wood. — Yellowish brown, stout, short-jointed, and thickly sprinkled
mth grayish white specks; annual shoots w^oolly; buds large, short,
broad, pointed, and flattened : Flower-buds large, oblong-oval.
Leaves. — Large, elongate, pointed, smooth, dark green, narrower
towards the end than at the base, recurved, and somewhat folded, uTeg-
ularly and rather obtusely serrated ; petioles short and rather slender.
FlowePvS. — Medium size, very slightly cupped; petals oblong.
Fruit. — ^Large, about three inches long, and two and a half in diam-
eter : Form, obovate, full, and slightly flattened around the eye, swollen
towards the middle, and contracted near the stem, where it is also a
little flattened : Skin fan-, shghtly rough, greenish yellow, becoming of a
fine lemon yellow when mature, washed and marbled, or blotched, with
purplish red on the sunny side, somewhat russeted in patches extending
from the stem, and covered with small, greenish brown specks : Stem,
rather long, about one and a half inches, stout, swollen, curved, and
obHquely attached to the fruit by a fleshy junction : Eye, medium size,
and moderately sunk in a small round basin ; segments of the calyx short
and stiff", projecting : Flesh, white, fine, buttery, melting, and very juicy:
Flavor, rich, sprightly, saccharine, and dehcious, with a very high per-
fume : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size, dark, nearly round.
Ripe in December, and keeps into Januaiy. Dr. Van Mons calls it
" decidedly a winter fruit," sometimes keeping till spring.
[14] •
THE WINTL'R MLLS PEAPl.
frriil:,v c.r Anir.'rn.'rL, ['Mil N'
iifdmi I'rnni f.';iriirc •''• ('(fonio liifi'f fiy iSIui'p & .Sim
THE WINTER NELIS PEAR.
Winter Nelis. Pomological Magazine, vol. iii. pi. 126.
La Bonne Malinoise, Hort. Trans, vol. v. p. 408.
Bonne de Malines, Hort. Trans, vol. iii. p. 353.
Beurre' de Malines, 1
MiLANAisE CuvELiER, V Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Etourneau, \
Nelis d'Hiver, of some Collections.
The Winter Nelis deservedly ranks among the
very best winter pears which have yet been pro-
duced. Though of only medium size and rather
unprepossessing appearance, its peculiarly rich,
sugary, and high-flavored qualities have gained
for it a popularity smpassed by no other pear.
As a hardy, vigorous, and productive tree, ripen-
ing its fruit freely and keeping well, it must be
classed with the very few first-rate pears which
we yet possess. Mr. Thompson remarks, that
there are few varieties "upon the merits of which
connoisseurs do not differ ; but that the Winter Nelis is one which all
agTee to be of the highest excellence."
This fine pear was raised by the Chevalier Nelis, of Mechhn, and was
first introduced into English gardens by the London Horticultural So-
ciety, and described and figured in then- Transactions, above quoted, as
La Bonne Mahnoise ; but subsequently this name was cancelled, and
that of the Winter Nebs substituted, in honor of the originator of so
superior a variety. For its first introduction to our gardens, we are in-
debted to the late Mr. Knight, who sent it to Mr. Lowell, in 1823 ;
Mr. Manning received it from Mr. Lowell, and, from, the Pomological
Garden, it has been extensively disseminated.
The Winter Nehs produces very regular and good crops, and comes
into bearing the fourth or fifth year : it seems to flourish in any situa-
tion, and on hght soils, where some kinds do not succeed well, the Nelis
proves to be excellent. It does not grow well upon the quince.
Tree. — ^Vigorous, irregular in its growth, some of the branches bend-
ing inward towards the main stem, while others assume a stragghng and
dechning habit. The old wood thickly fined with smah short spurs, as
shown in our vignette, which is from a tree four years from the bud or
graft. The tree is also vei7 late in leafing out in spring.
[15]
WINTER NELIS FEAR.
Wood. — Dark brownish yellow, slender, short-jointed, and sprinkled
with small grayish russet specks ; annual shoots always curved at the
ends ; buds remarkably prominent, diverging, long, full, and sharply
pointed : Flower-buds medium size, oval.
Leaves. — Medium size, very long and narrow, tapering to each end,
folded, shghtly recurv^ed on the midrib, without serratui^es, and generally
pendent ; petioles long and slender.
Flowers. — Large; petals obovate, reflexed at the edges, tapering
much to the claw.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and two and
a quarter in diameter : Form, obovate, lai'gest in the middle, rounding
off towards the eye, and contracted near the stem, where it ends ob-
tusely : Skin, rough, dull yellowish green, becoming yellower when ma-
tm-e, and nearly or quite covered with brownish russet, darkest on the
sunny side, with a few dark specks interspersed over the smface : Stem,
long, about one and a quarter inches, rather slender, largest at the end
adjoining the branch, smooth, dai'k brown, and shghtly sunk in a shallow
ca\aty : Eye, medium size, open, and moderately sunk in a round basin ;
segments of the calyx broad and pointed : Flesh, yellowish white, fine,
melting, buttery, and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugaiy, highly perfumed, and
dehcious : Core, medium size : Seeds, large, neai'ly black.
Ripe in December, and frequently keeps till February.
[16]
THE SIETJLLE PI:AR,
PruttM of Ai.K-'TTca prate E"
Drawa froiiL Fature iv (Tiromo tilh.^ iy jliarp ci Sou.
THE SIEULLE PEAR.
SiEULLE. Bon Jardinier, 1828 ; Jardin Fruitier, pi. Ixxix.
Doyenne' Sieulle, Mag. of Hort. vol. xii. p. 175.
Bkurre' Sieulle, Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
The Sieulle, though introduced to notice upwards
of thirty years since, is comparatively a new fruit, and
does not appear to have been generally known to
European pomological writers. The first descriptive
J account of it is given in the Bon Jardinier. Noisette
also describes and figui'es it in his Jardin Fruitier.
Lindley does not mention it, but it is enumerated in the
Catalogue of the London Horticultural Society for 1832,
as one of the kinds which had been proved, and is
there classed among those of the first quality. It is
certainly somewhat remai'kable that a variety, possess-
ing such excellent quahties, should not have attracted more attention,
and have been more generally introduced into collections. Few pears
surpass the Sieulle. It is of large size and beautiful appearance, having
a fair skin, and bright red cheek; and, though not quite so melting
as the White Doyenne, to which it is alhed, it possesses the same rich,
sprightly, and refreshing flavor, comes in at a more desirable season,
and keeps from four to six weeks.
This superior pear was raised by M. Sieulle, in the garden of the
Due de Choisel, of Praslin, and was first brought to notice in 1815, at
which period, or soon after, M. Noisette introduced it into his collection
at Paris. In 1828 or '29, the Messrs. Prince, of Flushing, introduced
it to their collection, and disseminated the trees, but we do not learn of
its fruiting around Boston until 1844 or '45, when fine specimens were
produced by several cultivators. It thrives well either upon the quince
or pear stock, but the finest specimens we have yet seen were gi'own
upon the quince. Our painting is from a beautiful pear, received from
Mr. G. B. Fowler, of Plymouth, last season, whose tree, trained en que-
nouille, bears abundantly every year. We have also received it from the
fine collection of J. P. Gushing, Esq., of Watertown, which contains all
the choice pears to be found. On espahers, in his garden, very large
and beautiful specimens are produced.
Teee. — ^Vigorous, upright, and rather compact, having much of the
habit of the White Doyenne ; branches horizontal at first, but afterwards
bending upwards, and very erect.
[17]
SIEULLE PEAR.
Wood. — Brownish olive, moderately stout, rather long-jointed, smooth,
and regularly speckled with large, grayish white specks; buds rather
prominent, short, full, and pointed : Flower-buds obovate.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, acuminate, hght gTeen, waved on the
margin, and very finely and regularly serrated ; petioles very long and
slender.
Flowers. — Medium size, clear white ; petals obovate, and regulai^ly
cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about two and a half inches long, and two and a half
in diameter : Form, roundish, little irregnilar, sometimes depressed, and
tapering slightly towards the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, dull yellow and
pale green, becoming very broadly shaded and marbled with bright red
on the sunny side, and regularly covered with large, reddish russet
specks, thickest where exposed: Stem, medium length, about three
quarters of an inch, very stout, straight, smooth, and rather deeply sunk
in a cavity formed by a swollen lip or projection on one side : Eye, me-
dium size, open, and slightly depressed in a shallow basin ; segments of
the calyx broad and reflexed : Flesh, white, fine, melting, and very
juicy : Flavor, rich, saccharine, vinous, refreshing, perfumed, and excel-
lent : Core, large : Seeds, large, dark brown.
J
Ripe in November, and keeps till Januaiy.
[18]
/
%.:■
THE NORTHEET^" SPY APPLE
Pnirls o!"' Amerrca Pfafe ^°
Drawn Iro/n ITaiare FuCRromo Ljili"^ fj^SiiarpS Son
THE NORTHERN SPY APPLE.
Northern Spy. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. x. p. 2T5.
For man}^ years, there have been no very remarkable
additions to our varieties of late-keeping winter apples. The
Baldwin, which has so long been the favorite, and justly
held its place at the head, seems to have been one of those
productions which combine all that nature is capable of be-
stowing on the apple, and to excel it, or even equal it, is
sufficient to give a new variety the very highest merit. Of
this character is the Northern Spy: in our estimation, it is
surpassed by no other fruit; and, if its qualities for produc-
tiveness should prove equal to the Baldwin, it will dispute
the palm with that esteemed and popular variety. It is one
of the most beautiful apples ; having a rich, deep crimson skin, with
purplish stripes, and covered with a soft bloom, hke the Red Astrachan.
In its keeping- qualities, it is superior to the Baldwin; and although its
flesh is remarkably tender and juicy, it keeps perfectly sound, and retains
all its freshness, till June.
The Northern Spy was raised in the town of East Bloomfield, N. Y.,
nearly fifty years ago, from seeds carried from Connecticut. The origi-
nal tree was set out in the orchard of Heman Chapin, of that town, and
suckers were taken from it by Roswell Humphrey, who first raised the
fruit, the parent tree having died. For a long period, the variety was
wholly confined to the locahty where it was I'aised, and it was not until
1840 or '41, that it first attracted the attention of cultivators : at that
time, some very fine specimens of apples were seen in Rochester, as late
as May, and, on inquiry, they proved to be the Northern Spy, an en-
thely new and remarkable seedhng variety. A fuU account of its history
and origin will be found in the Magazine of Horticulture for 1847, vol.
xiii. pp. 72, 104.
Much has been said of the productiveness of the Spy, some alleging
that only a portion of the fruit is large and fair, and suitable for market,
while others state that, in good soils and situations, it produces as good
an average crop as other varieties. It bears regularly every year, and
many of the specimens measure twelve inches in circumference. The
tree is of upright and rather compact gTowth, and probably needs a care-
ful and judicious pruning. If this is attended to, they will undoubtedly
produce both large and perfect fruit.
[19]
NORTHERN SPY APPLE.
Tree. — ^Very vigorous, upright, and veiy regular, as represented in
our vignette, which is from a tree three years grafted; when old, form-
ing a handsome head.
Wood. — Dark reddish chestnut, rather slender, short-jointed, and
thickly covered with veiy prominent, round, grayish specks ; buds very
small, short, and flattened : Flower-buds oval.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate-oblong, rich glossy green, tapering reg-
ularly to the point, with one side of the base longer than the other ;
margins wavy, with very irregular, rather shai'p, and moderately deep ser-
ratm^es ; petioles rather short and slender.
Flowers. — Medium size, tinged with pink.
Fruit. — Large, about two and a half inches deep, and three and a
half broad : Form, roundish-conical, fiat and broad at the base, tapering
much towards the crown, which is small : Skin, fair, smooth, yellow on
the shady side, but neai'ly covered with bright glossy red and distinct
stripes of rich purplish crimson, extending nearly to the eye ; often hav-
ing a blotch of russet ai'ound the stem, marked with scattered yellow
specks, and partially covered with a thin white bloom : Stem, short,
about half an inch in length, rather slender, and very deeply inserted in
a large, very wide, open, cavity : Eye, small, and rather deeply sunk in
a medium sized, somewhat ribbed, and abruptly depressed hollow : Flesh,
yellowish white, fine, crisp, and veiy tender : Juice, plentiful and brisk,
of a rich sub-acid, possessing a pecuHai'ly dehcious aromatic flavor:
Core, medium size, and rather open.
Ripe in January, and keeps perfectly sound till June.
[20]
'HE SWJ\}JS OJiAli^GE PEAR.
Tiutl s .£ Ai^x^x Ic I. PI a.T e l^T?
:)raW7v fi.Tm I^Jaho-e & G]ut,th.(. litKr ^by 3Ji.a^ji.&. St
THE SWAN'S ORANGE PEAR.
Swan's Orange. Genesee Farmer, vol. vii. p. 25.
Onondaga, Horticulturist, vol. i. p. 322.
Onondaga Seedling, of some Collections in Western New York.
fNo pear of recent introduction can claim so high a
rank as the Swan's Orange. Possessing all the hardy
and vigorous qualities of our hardiest native varieties,
the fruit is not only of the lai'gest size, but unsurpassed
in its beauty, and unequalled in excellence. The Van
Mons Leon le Clerc has obtained, and justly, a high
reputation, and has been designated as the " best pear
in the world;" yet Swan's Orange, considered in all its
quahties, far surpasses it ; and, if that epithet belongs
to any variety, it is to the last named pear.
In the Magazine of Horticulture, (vol. xiii. p. 243,)
we have given a full account of this fine fruit, in which its history has
been traced back to 1806, at which period scions were carried from
Farmington, Conn., by Mr. Henry Case, of Onondaga, N. Y. In 1808,
Mr. Case removed his tree to Liverpool, where he then resided, but it
died in 1823. Previous to its death, however, scions had been disti'ib-
uted; and, among those who received them, was Dea. Joseph Swan, of
Onondaga Hollow. About ten years ago, Mr. Swan's son, who resided
in Rochester, carried some of the pears to that city for exhibition, and,
from its great beauty as well as superior quality, the Horticultural Soci-
ety, in compliment to Mr. Swan, called it Swan's Orange, its origin then
being wholly unknown.
It was not, however, until within a very few years, that its excellence
became well known around Rochester, and more recent still that cultiva-
tors have generally become acquainted with it. Last autumn, some
beautiful specimens were sent us from Rochester, the largest of which
measured twelve inches in circumference, and weighed thirteen ounces.
The whole aspect of the tree denotes vigor and health : it gi'ows well
upon either the pear or quince stock.
Tree. — ^Very vigorous, upright in its growth, forming a handsome
head ; on young trees the lateral shoots are horizontal. Our vignette
is from a tree grafted in 1843, now nine feet high, and bearing fruit.
Wood. — Clear olive, stout, rather short-jointed, and dotted with large,
grayish specks ; old wood dark olive ; buds large, long, tapering to the
point, cUverging, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — Large, oblong, tapering to the end, thick, deep green, re-
[21]
SWAN'S ORANGE PEAR.
curved on the midrib, little wavy, partially folded, with prominent nerves,
and coarse, rather deep serratm'es ; petioles medium length, stout.
Flowers. — ^Medium size ; petals yellowish white, ohovate, flat.
Fruit. — Large, about four and a half inches long, and three and a
half in diameter : Form, oblong obovate, httle uneven and irregular, or
Bon Chretien-shaped; largest in the middle, narrowing to the crown,
which is small, and tapering to the stem, near which, on one side, it is
suddenly contracted : Skin, veiy fair, smooth, greenish yellow, but be-
coming of bright yellow when matm^e, leaving a few traces of green ;
smoothly russeted around the eye, faintly tinged with blush on the sunny
side, and regularly covered with large, round, russet specks : Stem,
rather short, about three quarters of an inch, moderately stout, grayish
brown, with white specks, shghtly fleshy at the base, curved, and ob-
liquely inserted in a very shallow, contracted cavity, with a swollen lip or
projection on one side : Eye, medium size, closed, and rather deeply
sunk in a large, round, smooth basin ; segments of the calyx broad,
fleshy, and partially reflexed : Flesh, white, fine, very melting, buttery
and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugaiy, sprightly, vinous and dehcious, with a
most agreeable and high perfume : Core, small, very close : Seeds, re-
markably small, and very dark.
Ripe in October, and will keep from three to four weeks.
[22]
THE SWEET MOI."T^IOE_ENCr OHERRY.
Ti-idlJ of l-nifiiriPTa.le JST'
Ura.'wrL frmn HxtuTfe &. CnTtrtno liik- iy 33iorB &. Sr
THE SWEET MONTMORENCY CHERRY.
Sweet Montmorency. Magazine of Horticulture^ vol. xii. p. 344.
Allen's Favorite, of some Nursery Collections.
The number of American varieties of cherries is yearly increasing,
and we may soon expect to find the principal kinds, in general cultiva-
tion, our native vaiieties. Much improvement, however, we hope yet to
see effected in this fine fruit. The late Mr. Knight, President of the
London Horticultural Society, succeeded in producing several new sorts,
by the process of cross-fertilization, which have held a high reputation ;
but, since the origin of his seedhngs, less attention seems to have been
given to the production of new cherries than other fruits.
The principal American varieties, of which we have several of great
merit, have been accidental productions, and the Sweet Montmorency
is one of the number. The earliest notice we have of it is that given
by the late Mr. Manning, in his Synopsis of Forty-four varieties, in the
Magazine of Horticulture^ (vol. viii. p. 281,) which he had collected to-
gether during many years, and produced from seed, and which he had
fruited and proved in his Pomological Garden at Salem. Mr. Manning
gave so favorable an account of this variety that we immediately pro-
cured it; and, from trees budded in 1842, we had a small crop, the
present year, for the first time.
The Sweet Montmorency originated in the garden of Mr. J. F. Allen,
in Chestnut street, Salem. It was an accidental seedling, which sprung
up with others about the year 1831 or 1832. In 1834, several of these
seedhngs were planted out, and, in 1836 or 1837, they came into bear-
ing. Mr. Manning saw the fruit, and was so much pleased with it that
he named it the Sweet Montmorency, from the supposition that it sprung
from a seed of the common Montmorency cherry, an acid fruit. It was
tlie only tree which proved worthy of cultivation.
The original tree is growing in Mr. Allen's garden, and, since it first
began to bear, it has not failed to ripen a fine crop of fruit every season.
It is scarcely ever injured by weather which usually cracks and injures
most varieties. It is one of the latest sweet cherries, ripening at the
same time as the Late Duke, and possesses the good quahty of hanging
long upon the tree after it is mature, and also of keeping some time
after it has been gathered and placed in the fruit room. One pecuHarity
of the Sweet Montmorency is, that, soon after it begins to color, it be-
comes of a fine red, and, by many cultivators, would be considered quite
[23]
SWEET MONTMORENCY CHERRY.
ripe. In this state, however, it yet has a bitter taste ; but, as soon as it
becomes deeply colored, and assumes a mottled appearance, the bitter-
ness passes away, and it becomes perfectly sweet and dehcious. It is a
remarkably productive variety ; on a small forked branch, a foot long,
we have counted nearly one hundred cherries.
We have not given any vignette of the habit of growth of the Sweet
Montmorency: the numerous varieties of the cherry have so great a re-
semblance in general habit, that engi-avings would be of no gi'eat value,
only in some particular sorts, which have a distinctive character.
Tree. — Very vigorous, somewhat spreading, with erect, stout, annual
shoots, similar to the Tartarian, but with the lateral branches more
diverging.
"^^ooD. — Strong, rather short-jointed, reddish brown, httle dotted with
russet, and covered with a grayish epidermis ; buds long, shortly pointed.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate oblong, acuminate, largest about the
middle, tapering to the point; coarsely and rather deeply serrated, and
shghtly folded at the edge : petioles about two inches in length, stout,
with two large reniform glands placed just at the base of the leaf.
Flowers. — MecUum size; petals narrow; style and stamens about
equal.
Fruit. — Rather small, nearly round, little flattened at both ends, with
a shallow suture on one side, and an indented point at the apex : Skin,
pale amber in the shade, of a deep orange red in the sun, becoming
darker when fully ripe, and mottled with yellow : Stem, rather short,
about an inch in length, moderately slender, and inserted in a very shal-
low hollow : Flesh, yellowish, very tender and melting, and shghtly ad-
hering to the stone : Juice, plentiful, rich, sweet, high flavored and
dehcious : Stone, small, round.
Ripe the last of July and beginning of August.
[24]
THE SOATXYS SEEDlMa ST.HAV\j3ERHY:
B-llIIs 3f ^ V , ^ ■■ • w r p V, t p "W5 .
T3T^LW^^ f r o tt Iv itur e *^ Clirc)Tnol-ri.\^L"" Sliai-p &,5ini
THE HOVEY'S SEEDLING STRAWBERRY.
Hovey's Seedling. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. vi. p. 284.
The first, really great improvement in the strawberry was made by
Mr. Keens, of Islewortli, near London, about the year 1820, in the
production of the vaiiety so well known as Keens' Seedling. The late
Mr. Knight and Mr. Keens pursued their experiments in raising new
varieties about the same period ; but Mr. Knight was not so successful
as Mr. Keens : he raised several varieties, among them the Downton
and Elton, once very good sorts, but long since neglected in consequence
of the superior quahty of Keens' Seedling. Very recently, Mr. Myatt,
of Deptford, near London, has succeeded in raising some varieties which
have proved valuable in England, but, in our climate, they are inferior to
our American seedlings.
Soon after tlie introduction of Keens' Seedling into this country, about
the year 1829, we added it to our collection, which, at that time, contained
all the fine sorts which were to be obtained. A fondness for the culti-
vation of the strawberry had induced us to collect every variety, which
came to our knowledge, as soon as offered for sale. Keens' Seedhng
and Wilmot's Superb were the most noted, and they were added with
the expectation that they would so far excel all others, as to discard the
larger proportion of them from cultivation. But after the experience of
three or four years, to our great disappointment, we found that it was
quite impossible to secure a crop : the vines were either bmnt up by
the summer heat, or destroyed by the winter cold. This was in 1832,
and our collection then contained the Downton, Methven Scarlet, Melon,
Bostock, Grove End Scarlet, Southborough, Knevet's Pine, Mulberry,
&c. &c. Yet, out of the whole of these, we never could calculate upon
a full crop ; and we came to the conclusion that none of them possessed
sufficient good quahties to render them profitable or desirable for ordi-
naiy cultivation. With this view, we thought it an object to try experi-
ments in the gTowth of new varieties from seed, in order to procure such
as should possess the great merits of hardiness, productiveness, size,
flavor, and beauty combined ; and, though we made but a single trial,
our expectations were fully realized in the production of the Seedhng and
the Boston Pine.
In the summer of 1832, we began to prepare the plants from which
we intended to select the seed ; this was done by cutting off the runners
during the season, in order to have them as strong as possible. When
these plants came into flower, in 1833, the several sorts were properly
[25]
HOVEY'S SEEDLING STRAWBERRY.
fertilized, and, when the berries were mature, they were gathered, the
seeds washed out, and put away in bags. In Februaiy, 1834, the seeds
were planted in boxes in the greenhouse, and the young plants removed
to the open ground in June. In 1835, the plants produced some fruit,
and, in 1836, they came into fuU bearing. The beds were then carefully
looked over, and the qualities of more than thu'ty sorts noted down :
among them was the Seedling, but the berries of this were so remark-
able, that it was at once selected from the others and set out by itself.
The remaining kinds were planted out for further trial, and the old beds
dug up and destroyed. The single plant made only twelve runners the
first year ; these were removed to a bed twelve feet long, setting them a
foot apart, and during the season the young runners covered the ground.
In 1838, it produced one of the most remarkable crops of remarkable
strawberries we ever saw.
Under the most ordinary cultivation, this variety produces a fine crop
of large, handsome fruit. But it is absolutely necessary that the plants
should be near some staminate variety, that the fertilization may be
complete ; otherwise, a veiy small crop will be the result. For this pur-
pose, we use only the Boston Pine, setting out alternate beds of each.
Vines. — ^Veiy vigorous, more so than any other variety, except the
Boston Pine, perfectly hardy, forming numerous runners.
Leaves. — Large; leaflets roundish, generally convex, obtusely ser-
rated, with about twenty serratures ; surface rather smooth, deep bi'ill-
iant glossy green, and rarely ever spotted with brown ; petioles short ;
leaf- stalks upright, medium length, moderately strong.
Flowers. — Rather small, veiy regular in form ; /^'"'^'^^^rf
petals roundish, slightly imbricated and cupped; sta-
mens very short and imperfect, deficient in anthers ;
calyx very small, finely divided, and quite reflexed;
scapes moderately strong, about the same length as
the leaf-stalks, elevating the fruit from the ground ; pe-
duncles rather long and slender. Every flower, when
properly fertilized, is succeeded by a perfect beriy. Our engraving
represents the exact size and form of the flower.
Fruit. — Very large, often measuring five and a half inches in circum-
ference, roundish ovate, shghtly conical, with a short neck, never cox-
comb-shaped, even in the largest berries : Color, dark rich shining red,
paler when grown in the shade : Seeds, dark, and imbedded in a smaU
cavity : Flesh, scarlet, firm, nearly solid, abouncUng with a most agree-
able acid, and exceedingly dehcious and high-flavored juice.
PiirE about a week after the Boston Pine, and continues in perfection
durmg the whole strawberry season.
[2G]
^^
TKE BOSTCKr PETE 5TTlA:WSEBi^
■Friiiji.s of A.nn.P.Tica-Pla.lel'T-
DrawiLl'roinJNaTtLU' t (^ G lu otii o llfhr 3jv Slxaj'^ uBa-^-
THE BOSTON PINE STRAWBERRY.
Boston Pine. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xi. p. 290.
Since the production of the Hovey's Seedhng and Boston Pine,
thousands of plants have been raised from seed, by amateur cultivators
and nurserymen in various pai'ts of the country, although, before theii-
origin, we are not aware of the growth of one American strawberry of
any value. Indeed, the strawberry is as easily raised from seed as any
other plant, and with the certainty of producing veiy good varieties.
The French cultivators raise the Alpine, strawbeny in this way, as an
annual, the plants bearing a fine crop the first year.
But, in the production of new varieties of the strawberry, it is impor-
tant that they should possess some quahties superior to those akeady
known, in order to render them worthy the attention of the cultivator :
merely as seedhngs, they are of little value. There are many quahties
which are requisite to the chai'acter of a first-rate fruit ; and the mere
possession of a portion of them, without the others, will fail to give any
variety a high rank for general cultivation. To combine the greatest
number of these good properties was our object in the growth of new
kinds, and we consequently rejected all but two of the many hundred
seedhngs which we produced.
In our description of Hovey's Seedling, we have stated that, besides
that variety, we noted down upwards of thnty other plants, which pos-
sessed excellent qualities, and appeared deserving of further trial. Our
expectations had been fully realized in the production of the former va-
riety, yet some of the others were remarkably fine, and from them we
thought one or two valuable varieties might be obtained. In the spring
of 1838, six or eight of these varieties were planted out in a bed by
themselves, and, during the season, made a fine growth. In 1839, they
bore a fine crop : they were then carefully looked over again : three
plants were now selected, and the remainder of them dug up. In 1841,
they had covered a good-sized bed, and produced an abundant crop of
fruit. All these would have been called excellent sorts, but we only
saved one, which, from its earliness, size, beauty, exquisite flavor, abun-
dant product, and hardiness, appeared distinct from any kind in cultiva-
tion. This was the Boston Pine.
It has always been a source of regret to us, that our labels should
have been so displaced, from the effects of frost in throwing them out
of the ground, that we could not ascertain, with certainty, the parent-
[27]
BOSTON PINE STRAWBERRY
age of oui'two seedlings. The following is a copy of the various crosses,
as taken from our manuscript joui'nal of 1833 : —
1. Methven Scarlet, impregnated with Keens' Seedling.
2. Methven Scaiiet, unpregnated with the Melon.
3. Mulberry, impregnated with Keens' Seeching.
4. MulbeiTy, impregnated with Keens' Seedhng and Melon.
5. Southborough, impregnated with the Prolific Hautbois.
6. Grove End Scailet, impregnated with Keens' Seedhng.
We have always supposed the Seedhng originated either from No. 1
or No. 4, and the Boston Pine from No. 6, as the latter combines the
eai'hness of the Grove End Scaiiet and the size of Keens' Seedhng.
The Boston Pine should receive good cultivation to have the fruit in the
finest condition. If the plants ai-e allowed to run together, the produce
will not be haK a crop. The soil should be good, and there should be
a space of at least a foot between the rows. Each plant thi-ows up from
six to ten stems, and, if the roots do not find sufficient nomishment,
many of the benies will not fill up and attain then- proper size. Well
gi'own, the plants are hterally covered T\ith fruit.
Vines. — Exceedingly vigorous, rather more so than Hovey's Seedling ;
runners numerous, and sti'onger than those of the latter named variety.
Leaates. — Large ; leaflets ovate, tapering much to the base, generaUy
concave or pai'tially folded, coai'sely, deeply and sharply serrated, num-
bering about sixteen seiTatm-es ; pale dull green, with prominent nerves,
and occasionally spotted with brown : petioles rather long, which give
the leaflets a loose, spreading appeai-ance, compai'ed with Hovey's
Seedhng: leaf-stalks upright and sti'ong, with horizontal hairs.
Flowers. — ^^ledium size, regnilai' in form; petals
roundish, httle imbricated and concave ; stamens me-
dium length, stout, with numerous lai'ge anthers, al- ^--^^
ways perfect and abounding in pohen; cal}'x rather |=-
small, spreading, and pai'tially reflexed ; scapes strong,
upright, rather compact, elevating the fruit from the
ground, and as long as the leaf-stalks, producing from
eight to sixteen berries.; peduncles short and stout.
Feuit. — ^\'"ery large, roundish, or very slightly conical, always regiilai'
in form, measuring from fom' to four and a half inches in cu'cumference :
Color, deep rich sliining red : Seeds, yeUow, but very shghtly imbedded :
Flesh, pale scarlet, fine grained, buttery, and sohd, veiy juicy, sweet,
and rich, with a brisk, high, and dehcious flavor.
PiiPE about a week before Hovey's Seedhng, at the same time as the
Old Scaiiet or Eaiiy Yu'ginia, and continues a long time in bearing.
[28]
T KE: Y,M\rT C RAWT OKID TEA C H ,
P|„t.^|9
Dicuw-rufioTrLl^aiuTf'^' '"':T""^i,o lii-k?- i u S-k.u'T.'
THE EARLY CRAWFORD PEACH.
Eakly Ceawford. American Orchardist, 3cl Ed. 1841.
Crawford's Early Melocoton, Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
Crawford's Early, of some Collections.
The Early Crawford peach stands preeminent among the great num-
ber of seedhngs v/liich have been produced by the zeal and perseverance
of American cultivators. Notwithstanding very good seedling varieties
may be calculated upon with considerable certainty, if pains are taken in
the selection of the seeds, it is no very easy task to produce one which
shall contain so many fine qualities, and take so high a rank, as the
variety now under notice. Its remarkable beauty and very large size —
its earliness and productiveness — its rich color and fine form — as well
as its melting flesh and luscious flavor, place it first among the yellow-
fleshed peaches.
The Early Crawford was oiiginated by William Crawford, Esq., of
Middletown, New Jersey, but a few years since, and was first described
by Mr. Kenrick, in the American Orchardist. It is esteemed in New
Jersey as the very best of all the early peaches, and one of the most
productive and profitable for extensive cultivation.
Peach trees so much resemble each other in then' shape, as well as
habit of growth, that sketches of the trees would not possess any gi-eat
value in the identification of kinds. The form of the fruit, of a larger
part of the numerous varieties, is so similar, that outline engravings
would, also, be of little use for the same object. We shall, therefore,
omit these in our descriptions of peaches, and look to the leaves for
peculiarities, which are invariable, and without recourse to which it
would be almost impossible to identify any particular variety. These
peculiarities are the glands, then* for7n, or then" entke absence, and are
divided into three classes, as follows : —
Class 1. Leaves deeply and doubly serrated, without glands. (a)
Class 2. Leaves crenate or serrulate, with round or globose glands. (&)
Class 3. Leaves crenate orserrulate,withirregularorreniform glands. (c)
The blossoms also form a very distinguishing feature of peaches, and,
though not so constant, or so much to be relied upon, as the leaves, they
greatly assist in the labor of determining varieties. Duhamel had four
classes of flowers, while Lindley reduces them to three, — large, medium,
and small. But it requires nice observation and much practice to dis-
tinguish accurately which are the medium-sized, and we therefore admit
[29]
EARLY CRAWFORD PEACH.
only two sections, viz : 1st. Large flowers, always red in the centre, and
pale on the margin ; and ^d. Small flowers, darkly shaded on the margin.
A third and important sub- division is made in regard to the stone :
1. Free-stone peaches ; 2. Chng-stone peaches.
This classification was begun by Duhamel and Miller, and improved
upon by subsequent writers ; but it was brought nearest to perfection
by the Count Lelieur and George Lindley.
With the distinctions which we have here made, and which will
always be fully noted in our descriptions, in connection with our colored
plates, every observing pomologist or cultivator will soon be able to
identify, with perfect accuracy, any particular kind, and we may confi-
dently hope that the confusion now existing in the nomenclature of
peaches may, ere long, be cleared up.
We now complete our account of the Early Crawford : —
Leaves. — Rather large and long, crenated, with globose glands.
Flowers. — Small.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches broad, and three and a half long :
Form, roundish oblong, compressed slightly on the sides, one half a
little lai'ger than the other, with a broad, deep cavity at the base, and
narrowing towards the apex ; suture rather shallow, extending half
round, and terminating in a small prominent point : Skin, deep yellow
in the shade, rather downy, broadly shaded with rich deep red in the
sun, with some mottlings, and numerous small crimson dots, extending
to the shaded side : Flesh, deep yellow, melting, and shghtly rayed with
red at the stone, from which it separates freely : Juice, abundant, rich,
sweet, and delicious : Stone, large, oblong, acute at the apex, not deeply
furrowed.
Ripe the last of August and beginning of September.
[30]
THE D OTE ^^tTK B OUIJ SOCK P EAR .
I'riLuts of Amebic ^. rut £l\P . nDiawi^f-roTnlL^Littf &^CXrf,^.. iiUJ hijSlxaj-y ^ S o..
THE DOYENNE' BOUSSOCK PEAR.
scribed as follows
Doyenne' Boussock. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xiii. p. 68.
Doyenne' Boussock Nouvelle, American Orckardisl, 3d Ed.
Doyenne' Broussach, of some French Collections.
It is somewhat remarkable that a pear, pos-
sessing the excellent qualities of the Doyenne
Boussock, should not have had a more extended
reputation, or have been better known to pomol-
ogists. Our first knowledge of it was derived
from the American Orchardist, where it was briefly
noticed, and first made known to American col-
lections, by Mr. Kenrick, on his return from
Europe, in the spring of 1841. In a subsequent
edition of the Orchardist, it was more fully de-
-" New and large ; of superior excellence ; ripening
at Paris in November." (4th Ed. p. 101.) From this favorable notice,
we were induced to add the variety to our collection ; and our trees hav-
ing produced fine specimens the last two years, we are enabled to state
that it fully equals the character ascribed to it by Mr. Kenrick. It is
not only a very large and beautiful fruit, as our plate represents, but in
quality it ranks with the best of our autumn pears, having much of the
character of that old favorite, the White Doyenne.
The late Mr. Manning received a variety under the name of Doyenne
Boussock, {Mag. of Hart., viii. p. 50.) wiiich proved to be the Doyenne
gris, but subsequently he obtained and fruited the true one. It is
somewhat singular, however, that among trees purchased at auction in
Boston, which had been received from France, the true Doyenne Bous-
sock has been discovered in three or four coUections ; and the beauty
and size of the specimens have surprised pomologists, who were quite
unacquainted with such a variety.
The Doyenne Boussock is very large, some of the specimens having
the obtuse form and irregular surface of the Duchesse d'Angouleme, but
generally it is of regular form. The tree grows freely either on the pear
or quince, and comes early into bearing, about the third or fourth year.
Tree. — Vigorous, of a somewhat spreading, though generally upright,
habit, the branches being horizontal at first, but making a long curve
upwards, as our vignette represents.
Wood. — Clear yellowish brown, sparsely dotted with large pale brown
specks, very stout, and rather short-jointed ; old wood dark yellowish
[ -1 1
DOYENNE' BOUSSOCK PEAR.
brown ; buds large, full, shortly pointed, diverging, with veiy prominent
shoulders : Flower-buds often terminal on the long annual shoots, me-
dium size, obtusely oval.
Leaves. — Large, roundish obovate, somewhat cordate at the base,
tapering to the end, thick, deep green, nearly flat, recurved on the mid-
rib, with rather prominent nerves, very shghtly and obtusely serrated ;
petioles rather short and stout. In the autumn, the foliage assumes a
deep tinge of red.
Flowers. — Large ; petals roundish, cupped ; clusters compact.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and three inches
in diameter : Form, obtusely obovate, nearly regular, large and full at
the crown, and tapering little to the stem, where it is very obtuse :
Skin, fair, lemon yellow when matm'e, shaded with bright crimson in the
sun, somewhat traced with russet, and regularly dotted all over with
large, prominent, russet specks : Stem, short, about half an inch in
length, stout, straight, wrinkled and fleshy at the base, and moderately
inserted in a large, shallow cavity : Eye, medium size, open, and little
sunk in a moderately deep, open basin ; segments of the calyx short,
round: Flesh, yellowish white, rather coarse, melting, and very juicy:
Flavor, rich, saccharine, sprightly, vinous, perfumed, and excellent: Core,
medium size : Seeds, slender, long, almost black, and mostly abortive.
Ripe in October, and keeps well for three or four weeks.
[32]
T^II'I TTSOlyJ PEAE_.
Paii.xts ol"ATn.ea:-L.ca- T Ute N?
DrawiLfr 0~fru-N liijLre (i^ClxTrrnxc litii. Ijy loJiarli (?iJioTi-.
THE TYSON PEAR.
ft
Tyson. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xii. p. 434.
The Tyson pear, though of very recent introduction
to notice, has justly been placed among the best pears
which our country has yet produced. Nearly, if not
quite, equalling the Seckel in the rich, spicy aroma
which distinguishes that delicious variety, it is of
larger size, with a more melting flesh, and comes in
at an early season, just before the Williams's Bon
Chretien, when we have but few fine pears. It is
also a most vigorous grower, exceedingly hardy, and
an abundant and very regular beai-er.
The Tyson pear originated in Jenkintown, near Philadelphia, on the
farm of Mr. Jonathan Tyson. It sprang up in a hedge ; and about the
year 1794, the tree, then an inch or more in diameter, was removed to
a more favorable situation. Five or six years after this, it began to
produce fruit, which proved so good that several trees were then grafted
with it. Suckers were also taken from the original tree, which produced
the same fruit, thus showing its seedling origin. The original tree now
stands in the village of Jenkintown, and, according to a communication
to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, from Dr. Brinkle, of Phila-
delphia, who measured the tree last spring, the trunk, at two feet above
the ground, was six feet in circumference.
This fine variety was introduced into the vicinity of Boston about the
year 1837, or 1838, by the late Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia, and first
fruited in 1842, in the garden of the late Wm. Oliver, Esq., of Dorches-
ter, and our drawing is from specimens from this tree, now quite large,
and in the possession of Mr. J. H. AVelch.
The Tyson is somewhat variable in form, as will be seen by our two
outline engravings : often the stem end is much elongated, so as to give
it a cala.bash shape ; several specimens have been received from Mr.
Manning, all of which partake of this character. The vigorous habit of
the tree probably prevents its fruiting as early as some varieties ; but it
generally conies into bearing the fourth or fifth year. Whether it will
succeed upon the quince has not yet been ascertained.
Tree. — ^\^igorous, erect and upright, of very regular, pyramidal form ;
branches numerous, quite erect, and thickly clothed with short spurs.
Wood. — Dull reddish brown, sprinkled with whitish specks, not very
stout, and short-jointed ; old wood somewhat mottled or clouded with
TYSON PEAR.
yellowish brown ; buds medium size, round, tapeiing to a point, diverging,
with rather prominent shoulders : Flower-buds medium size, obovate.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, tapering to each end, deep glossy
green, httle waved on the margin, and finely and regularly serrated;
petioles medium length, moderately stout.
Floavees. — Small ; petals oblong, cupped, with a rather long claw.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and two
inches in diameter : Form, p}Tamidal, but rather variable, sometimes of
a calabash form, rounded at the crown, and regularly tapering into the
stem : Skin, fair, nearly smooth, dull yellow, brightly shaded with red
on the sunny side, somewhat russeted, and irregulai'ly covered with
black specks : Stem, long, about one and a half inches, moderately
stout, curved, and obliquely attached to the fruit by a fleshy junction,
often much swollen on one side : Eye, medium size, open, and slightly
sunk in a round, very shallow, basin ; segments of the calyx short :
Flesh, white, fine, melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich, very sugary,
and delicious, with a high, aromatic perfume, to which we are at a loss
to give a nauie : Core, small : Seeds, small, plump, brown.
Ripe the last of August and beginning of September.
rati
THE REU^ASTK/vaHATxr .AJ^Pi£
t'uj.e :n
X)ia wTL fxoTiT JNTs-ltu-e &<. CaTOTiiu lith. iif B Ilsj > ik S on-
THE RED ASTRACHAN APPLE.
Red Astrachan. Pomological Magazine, vol. iii. pi. 123.
If a fruit should be entitled to the attention of cultiva-
tors for its beauty alone, the Red Astrachan, among our
great number of varieties, would bear off the palm. It has
not only a rich, deep crimson, skin, often heightened by the
peculiar abruptness of the coloring from the sunny to the
shaded side, but it is covered with a soft bloom, as beauti-
ful as that of a plum. Its fine appearance, however, is not
its only recommendation ; for, although not quite equalling
the Early Harvest, which ripens at about the same season,
it is an excellent apple, and one without which no collection
can be complete.
It was first introduced into England, from Sweden, about the year
1816, and fruited in the garden of Mr. Atkinson, at Grove End, near
London, in 1820, at which period it was exhibited before the London
Horticultural Society, and noticed in their Transactions, (vol. iv.) Its
beauty as well as excellence commended it to the notice of cultivators, and
it was very generally disseminated. At what time it was introduced into
this country we have no precise information. Though in many collec-
tions of fruit, it is by no means extensively cultivated, and we believe
that it has not yet been so abundantly raised as tb be found in our mar-
kets, only in exceedingly small quantities.
It is a hardy and exceedingly vigorous variety, admu'ably adapted for
dwarf trees, which, when loaded with fruit, have a very showy appear-
ance. It comes into bearing rather early, young and thrifty trees often
producing fruit the fourth or fifth year. The fruit should be gathered
as soon as ripe, for, if allowed to hang upon the tree, it soon becomes
mealy.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, and regular in growth, forming a handsome
and rather compact head ; young trees very erect, with short spurs on
the main stem : our vignette is from a tree two years from the bud.
Wood. — Clear reddish chestnut, sprinkled with distinct whitish specks,
stout, rather short-jointed, pubescent at the ends ; buds large, broad,
with rather stout shoulders, and somewhat flattened : Flower-buds oval.
Leaves. — ^Medium size, roundish oblong, wavy on the margin, shortly
acuminate, rather deeply and obtusely serrated; petioles of medium
length, and moderately stout ; stipules narrow.
Flowers. — Medium size.
[.13]
KED ASTRACHAX APPLE.
Feuit. — Large, about three inches broad, and two and a half deep :
Form, roundish, flattened at the base, and narrowing little towards the
eye : Skin, veiy fair, smooth, rich brilhant crimson on the sunny side,
paler in the shade, though occasionally httle greenish, sometimes rus-
seted around the stem, dotted with large yellow specks, and covered with
a thin whitish bloom : Stem, short, about half an inch in length, rather
stout, straight, and moderately inserted in a broad, rather shallow basin :
Eye, rather large, partially closed, and slightly depressed in a broad,
shallow, and somewhat ridged basin : Flesh, white, with occasional stains
of pink, fine, crisp, and tender : Juice, tolerably abundant, subacid and
good : Core, lai-ge, rather close : Seeds, small, ovate.
Ripe from the middle of August to the beginning of September.
[36]
TliE LAIE DTJKE CHERRY
fmfs o£ Am eric a Plate Tl"
Di-awiL from "RcrliiL-e & CRromo IllMLv W SIutlv
THE LATE DUKE CHERRY.
Late Duke. Pomological Magazine, vol. i. pi. 45.
Cerise Anglaise Tardive, Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842,
The oiigiu of this fine late cherry is unknown. It was received from
Paris, by the London Horticultural Society, and first produced fruit in
their garden about the year 1827 or 1828; subsequent to which it was
figured in the Pomological Magazine, above quoted. The authors of that
work state, that, though " this cherry is only known to us through
French gardeners, yet its name is evidence of its English origin;"
but, up to that time, they had not been able to find it in any other
collection than that of the society.
Switzer and Hill, old writers of authority, (the same authors observe,)
mention a Late May Duke or Late Duke cherry, which has been sup-
posed to be the variety under notice ; but these names, though at that
period to be found in numerous catalogues, were applied to trees in no
respect different from the original May Duke ; and, after a trial of all
the numerous varieties, collected from all sources, in the society's garden,
the name of the Late Duke was given to this cherry as being perfectly
appropriate.
Lindley, in the Guide to the Orchard, in his description of the Late
Duke, observes that it has great affinity to the Arch Duke ; and Thomp-
son, in a Synopsis of all the varieties cultivated in the garden of the
society, pubhshed in the Transactions, (vol. viii. p. 248,) states that the
" Arch Duke may not be found to be different when obtained correct,
but that hitherto the May Duke liad been received for it." Mr. Thomp-
son had not probably had an opportunity of seeing the Arch Duke, for
it is quite a different variety, and, when once seen in fruit, could not
be confounded with the Late Duke. In the last edition of the Catalogue
of the society, (1842,) it is made a distinct cherry.
Every late cherry must prove a valuable acquisition to this fine fruit ;
of this character is the Late Duke. It is not only of very large size, of a
beautiful color, and an abundant bearer, but, in excellence, it is nearly or
quite equal to the May Duke, once the most popular sort. These
qualities, sufficient in themselves to render any variety valuable, are
greatly enhanced by the prolonged season which the Late Duke gives
to the cherry.
All the cherries called Dukes have a peculiar upright or fastigiate
[37]
LATE DUKE CHERRY.
habit, quite different from other kinds, and they may readily be detected
by then' more slender, short-jointed shoots, and their erect and compact
growth. Accompanying a description of the May Duke, which we intend
to give hereafter, we shall present a vignette, showing the habit of this
class.
The fruit of the Late Duke is usually borne in pairs, or threes, on a
short peduncle about a quarter of an inch in length.
Tree. — ^Very vigorous, upright, and compact in habit; little more
spreading than the May Duke, with rather slender shoots.
Wood. — Moderately strong, short-jointed, yellowish on the shaded
side, and yellowish brown on the other, distinctly dotted with large
whitish, horizontal specks, and partially covered with a grayish epider-
mis ; buds prominent.
Leaves. — Large, thick, obovate, broadest near the point, tapering
to the base ; shortly and sharply acuminate, irregularly and obtusely
serrated, slightly recurved on the midrib, and somewhat folded ; upper
surface deep green, yellowish gTeen beneath; petioles rather short,
about three fourths of an inch in length, stout, reddish, and without
glands.
Flowers. — Large, opening a week later than the May Duke ; petals
broad and cupped ; style and stamens about equal.
Fruit. — Large, one and an eighth of an inch in diameter, roundish
heart-shape, with a shght suture on one side : Skin, rich deep shining
red when mature : Stem, long, about one and a half inches, slender,
and rather deeply inserted in a shallow cavity : Flesh, pale amber color,
tender, and slightly adhering to the stone : Juice, abundant and rich,
subacid, similar to the May Duke : Stone, medium size, roundish ovate,
compressed.
BiPE the last of July and beginning of August.
138]
TlIE LOUISi; BONInIE T}E JEPSEY PJ5AR.
Prmts of .^ImeT-ica, Plate N"
Dj-awjifi-oaaiJature & Chroip.o i.\ih^ 1i\- 'W. S'p.
THE LOUISE BONNE OF JERSEY PEAR.
Louise Bonne of Jeesey. Hort. See. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Louise Bonne d'Avranches, 1
Beurre' ou Bonne Louise Auradore, v Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Ed. 1842.
William the Fourth, ^
Bergamot d'Avranches, ? ^ ■n^ i /-. n .-
„ ^ ^ } ot some r rench Collections.
JroiRE DE Jersey, ^
The Louise Bonne of Jersey is one of the finest pears
which has been recently introduced, and it will undoubt-
edly become as popular a variety as the now widely dis-
seminated, and justly esteemed, WiUiams's Bon Chretien.
It has not only the qualities of size, beauty, productiveness,
and keeping weU, but it is of the most hardy character ;
and, according to Mr. Thompson, " more than rivals the
Marie Louise," one of the richest pears, even in the climate
of England. So far as it has been proved here, after
several years' experience, it can be recommended as an
indispensable addition to even the smallest collection.
The Louise Bonne of Jersey is, without much doubt, a French pear.
The London Horticultural Society first received it from the Island of
Jersey, in 1820, and so named it to distinguish it from the old Louise
Bonne of pomologists. According, however, to French writers, it was
originated at Avranches, in 1788, by M. de Longueval, and its original
name was Beurre de Longueval ; but as it was somewhat extensively
disseminated under the name of Louise Bonne d Avranches, that be-
came its popular title among French cultivators, and one which it
ought to retain. Under this name we found it cultivated in all the
principal nm^series around Paris, in the autumn of 1844.
Few varieties of the pear combine all the good characteristics of this.
It is admu'ably adapted for cultivation as a pyramidal tree, or for growing
en quenouille. It has, naturally, a very erect and regular habit, and, even
without any pruning, forms a beautiful-shaped tree. It succeeds per-
fectly upon the quince, bearing very young, and producing abundant crops.
Tree. — ^\^igorous, of an erect and upright habit, the branches at first
shghtly diverging, but afterwards erect.
Wood. — Dull brownish oHve, shghtly reddish on the sunny side,
dotted with whitish specks, moderately stout, and rather long-jointed ;
annual growth long, with but few lateral shoots; old wood grayish
brown ; buds medium size, rather long, inclined towards the branch,
and rather shai-ply pointed : Flower-buds medium size.
[39]
LOUISE BONNE OF JERSEY PEAR.
Leaves. — ^Rather small, oblong oval, slightly acuminate, nearly flat,
rather coarsely and obtusely serrated ; petioles slender, and about an
inch in length.
Flowers. — Large ; petals roundish, thick, and finely cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a quarter inches long, and two and
a half in diameter : Form, pyramidal, nearly regular, occasionally a little
angular, large at the crown, and gradually tapering to the stem, near
which there is a slight contraction : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish green,
becoming yellower when mature, very broadly suffused with bright glossy
red on the sunny side, which shades off abruptly, the surface being cov-
ered with large, grayish russet specks, each speck rayed or margined
with red : Stem, medium length, about an inch long, stout, smooth,
pale brown, with a few grayish specks, often, in large specimens, fleshy,
swollen, and slightly wrinkled at its junction with the fruit, and forced
into an oblique direction by a projection on one side : Eye, medium
size, open, and moderately sunk in an open, furrowed cavity; segments
of the calyx medium length, stiff, projecting, rounded : Flesh, yeUowish
white, fine, melting, buttery, and exceedingly juicy : Flavor, rich, brisk,
agreeably perfumed and dehcious : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium
size, light brown.
EiPE in October, and keeps well for four or five weeks.
[40]
THE BELLE LTJCRATIVE PEAR
Fruits of AmeErcQ, Plate N'
Drawa Erora NafuLii $< Cfiromo IcITl''- iy W. SKarp
THE BELLE LUCRATIVE PEAR.
Belle Luceative. Lindley's Guide to the Orchard.
FONDANTE d'AuTOMNE,
Beurre' Lucrative, ^
Bergamotte Lucrative, (
Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Ed. 1842.
Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
of some French Collections.
Among our early autumn pears, which stand preem-
inent for their high and dehcious flavor, the Belle
Lucrative maintains a place second only to the Seckel.
It has not quite the spiciness of the latter variety, but,
possessing all its other excellences, it more than makes
up for tliis deficiency in the superior size of the fruit.
As a hai'dy and vigorous tree, and an early and abun-
dant bearer, it must be ranked as one of the very best
pears yet added to our collections.
The Belle Lucrative first fruited in this country in the
Pomological Garden at Salem, in 1835 or 1836, and the
late Mr. Manning gave a brief account of it in the Magazine of Horti-
cidture for 1837, (vol. iii. p. 15.) It is supposed to be of Belgian origin.
It Avas first brought to England by the late Mr. Braddick, who received
the scions from M. Stoffels, of Mahnes, and it was probably originated
by that pomologist. Through Mr. Braddick's liberahty, scions were dis-
tributed among all the principal nurserymen around London, and it soon
became generally introduced.
By some error of the Catalogue of the London Horticultural Society,
the Belle Lucrative is described as a "crisp, second-rate pear;" and
this has induced some wiiters to adopt the name of Fondante dAutomne,
under which name it was also described. Mr. Lindley, however, whose
work appeared before the Catalogue, gave an accurate description of it,
from fruit grown in the society's garden, under the name of Belle Lu-
crative ; and it has since been ascertained, by Mr. Thompson, that the
oiiginal description under this name was incorrect.
The Belle Lucrative is a free and vigorous grower, and succeeds well
upon either the quince or pear, and is well adapted for a pyramidal or
dwarf tree ; even upon the latter stock, by judicious pruning, young
trees may be brought into bearing very early.
Tkee. — ^Vigorous, upright in habit, the longest and most vigorous
branches inclining towards the main stem.
[41]
BELLE LUCRATIVE PEAR.
Wood. — Yellowish, sparsely dotted with whitish specks, rather stout
and short-jointed; old wood dull yellow, somewhat mottled with grayish
olive ; buds large, full, sharply pointed, diverging, with rather promi-
nent shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — ^Medium size, oblong-oval, tapering to the point, much
waved at the edges, deep glossy green, dehcately nerved, and regularly
and finely serrated ; petioles slender, and nearly two inches long.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals roundish oblong, cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches long and three inches in
diameter : Form, roundish obovate, somewhat variable in shape, full at
the crown, and regularly tapering to the stem, where it ends obtusely :
Skin, slightly rough, dull yellowish green, occasionally little browned on
the sunny side, more or less traced with russet, and covered with small,
russet specks : Stem, medium length, about one inch long, stout, nearly
straight, knobby and wrinkled, little fleshy at the base, and inserted, on
one side of a slight projection, in a very shallow cavity: Eye, medium
size, open, and little sunk in a broad, shallow basin ; segments of the
calyx very short and round : Flesh, white, fine, very melting and juicy :
Flavor, rich and sugary, with a delicious aroma : Core, medium size :
Seeds, medium size, dark brown.
Ripe the last of September, and keeps two or three weeks.
[42]
\
TJiE PORTEPl apple.
Pruils of Americtt^ZPIaie JJ'
llrowTi from NatuTe & Cliromo lilTv^ fiy '^' S^oxp
THE PORTER APPLE.
PoRTEE. New American Orchardist.
The Porter is so well known in New England, as
the very finest of our early fall apples, that it is almost
unnecessary that we should say anything in its praise.
Indeed, at the season of its maturity there is scarcely
any other variety, — unless some of the recently intro-
duced ones should prove so, — that will approach it in
excellence. The vigor of the tree — its compact form
— the size of the fruit — ^its rich golden skin — and the
brisk and vinous excellence of its abundant juice,
form a combination of qualities which few apples pos-
sess. To this may be added, early bearing and a
handsome habit, which make it a fine variety for cultivation for dwarf or
pyramidal trees.
The Porter originated in Sherburne, Mass., on the gi'ounds of the
Rev. Samuel Porter, about fifty years ago, and remained unnoticed for
some yeai's. A neighbor, passing through his orchard one day, had his
attention accidentally attracted to the tree from some very beautiful
specimens which fell off. He soon after called upon the owner, and
apprized him of the valuable fruit he had upon his grounds, and re-
quested that he might be permitted to cut a few scions. Mr. Porter,
then somewhat advanced in life, and not seeming to be aware of its
excellence, or of the importance of disseminating superior fruit, rephed,
" that he might have the whole tree if he wished." This, however, was
not desired, but, content to possess the scions, his neighbor grafted
them into trees in his own garden, and, from that period, the Porter
grew rapidly in favor, and no orchard could be considered complete
without it. As an early fall apple it has no superior, and few that
equal it.
The cultivation of the Porter has been confined principally to the
vicinity of its origin. Within a few years however, since its quahties
have become more widely known, it has been much sought after; yet
the supply for the market does not keep pace with the demand, and
fine specimens always command a very high price. It is admirably
adapted for gai'den cultivation ; trees in our collection, six years old and
only eight feet high, being in full bearing.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, partially spreading and upright, the
[43]
PORTER APPLE.
branches making a long curve upwards ; old wood clothed with numer-
ous short spurs. Our vignette is from a tree four years old.
Wood. — Bright reddish chestnut, dotted with whitish specks, rather
slender and very short-jointed; buds medium size, short, with prominent
shoulders ; old wood dull pale bro"\vn.
Leaves. — Large, oblong, tapering to the point, partially folded, and
very regularly, deeply, and sharply serrated; petioles medium length,
and moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals tinged with pink.
Fruit. — Large, about two and a half inches broad, and three inches
deep : Form, oblong, largest about one third from the stem, slightly
flattened at the base, narrowing to the crown, which is oblique and
somewhat ribbed : Skin, very fair, smooth, clear bright yellow, faintly
striped and marbled with dull blush on the sunny side near the base,
and marked with a few crimson dots : Stem, rather short, about three
quarters of an inch long, slender, curved, and inserted in an open, broad,
and not very deep cavity : Eye, rather large, open, and sunk in a mod-
erately deep, ribbed hollow; segments of the calyx long, regulaiiy formed,
and reflexed at the ends : Flesh, yellowish, fine, crisp, and tender :
Juice, abundant, rich, subacid, very sprightly, and high-flavored : Core,
medium size, slightly open : Seeds, rather large, acutely pointed.
Ripe in September and October, and keeps well.
144]
Tl-lt; I,y\KLT YOJLX PEAOI.
Truii.s of .Atti eric a, Pi ate !N?
Drawn fTcmTyriliiTe & Oiroino liW'- by W. SIl
THE EARLY YORK PEACH.
Early York. Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
Large Early York, } „ . . ^ „ .
r^ „ ,- of some American Collections.
Early Purple, )
Among the many varieties of peaches which have been produced by
American cultivators, the Early York holds a high rank ; indeed, it
must be considered, as yet, the fii'st really fine early peach which ripens.
The Coolidge's Favorite, Royal George, and some others, soon succeed
it, and in quality little surpass it ; but a week in period of earliness, in
such a luscious fruit as the peach, gives any variety, possessing all the
excellent qualities of the Early York, a value which few can claim.
The tree is of a hardy and vigorous habit, and an abundant bearer; and
the fruit, which is of medium size, is of beautiful appeai-ance, as our
artist has so correctly represented in the accompanying plate.
It has been stated, as an objection to the Eai'ly York, that the ends
of the branches are Hable to mildew ; but we have not found this the
case under our care. In some cold and unfavorable soils, a few of the
shoots may slightly mildew, but it should be considered as an exception
to the general character of this very fine peach.
In New Jersey, there are one or two varieties of peaches cultivated as
the Early York. They are undoubtedly seedhngs from this ; but they
may readily be detected, as they have leaves with globose glands, while
the true Early York has serrated leaves ivitliout glands, as will be seen
by our drawing. None of the seedhngs possess the good qualities of
the parent variety.
Leaves. — Medium size, deeply and doubly serrated, without glands.
Flowers. — Large.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two inches broad, and two and a quarter
long : Form, roundish oval, narrowing most to the apex, terminating in
a slight point, with a broad and deep cavity at the base, which is httle
oblique ; suture distinct, but not very deep : Skin moderately downy,
with a pale yellowish white ground, broadly shaded with a rich deep red,
which extends in fine dots neaiiy over the whole fruit : Flesh, greenish
white, tender, melting, and slightly tinted with red at the stone, from
which it separates freely : Juice, plentiful, rich, brisk, and high-flavored :
Stone, small, tolerably thick, slightly furrowed, obovate, pointed, pale.
Ripe the last of August.
[45]
iE CUBE PEAPu..
Trurts of Aiaenr a, Plaleli'
JirawiL from jN'ature & OiToino J.lfa'^ by "W. Sliarp.
LE CURE^ PEAR.
Le Cuke^. Bon Jardinier, 1836.
Vicar of Winkfield, <
Monsieur le Cure', \ Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Dumas, )
Clion, Kenrick's New Am. Orchardisi.
Monsieur, 'I
Belle Heloise, (incorrecily,) \ c t,i i n n ^•
' -^ ' - of some rrench Collections.
Belle de Berry _
Pater Notte, /
Burgermeester, (incorrectly.) Book of Fruits, 1838, No. 67.
Much confusion exists in regard to the correct
jiame of this pear. Poiteau, and other eminent
French pomologists, have pronounced it identical
with the Saint Lezain, an old and well known
variety in France, where it has been cultivated
for more than half a century; but, in all the
principal collections, it is now known as Le Cure,
or Mons. Le Cure, from its having been found in
I^^V...^^ the woods by M. Clion, a French curate. Ee-
\l cently, the London Horticultural Society, in their
"' Catalogue for 1842, have called it the Vicar of
Winkfield, from the circumstance of a tree growing in his garden, re-
ceived from France, having first produced fruit in England. We have
been induced to adopt the Society's catalogue as authority in nomencla-
ture ; but, in this and some other instances where there are gross errors,
we cannot consent to perpetuate them. After a careful investigation of
the subject, and the examination of many trees, we beheve that the
venerable Poiteau was right in considering it identical with the Saint
Lezain ; but, as time is required to render this positive, we adopt the
name, every where known in France, of Le Cm^e.
No pear is more variable in its form than this, and this has given rise
to the numerous synonymes. In favorable soils and seasons, it is a
very excellent pear. Its great merits are the vigor of the tree, — its broad
and deep green foliage, — its immense productiveness, — the large size of
the fruit, — its long keeping, — and, at all times, its excellence as a bak-
ing pear. It bears early, and succeeds admirably upon the quince.
Tree. — Veiy vigorous, generally upright in habit, the annual shoots
often irregular and spreading, and occasionally drooping.
Wood. — Brownish olive, with large, prominent, grayish specks, stout,
and rather short-jointed; old wood dull grayish olive; buds medium
size, obtuse, and little flattened : Flower-buds, large, obovate.
[47]
LE CURE' PEAR.
Leaves. — Large, roundish, shortly pomted, thick, deep glossy green,
incurved at the edges, and rather deeply and irregularly serrated ; peti-
oles medium length, about one and a half inches long, stout.
Flowers. — Lai"ge ; petals large, roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Very large, about five inches long, and two and three quar-
ters in diameter : Form, oblong pyramidal, angular at the crown, largest
above the middle, tapering little towards the eye, and slightly contracted
near the stem : Skin, fair, nearly smooth, dull green, becoming, when
mature, of a pale lemon yellow, considerably suffused with red on the
sunny side, somewhat traced with russet, and regularly covered witli
rather large russet specks : Stem, medium length, about one inch long,
moderately stout, curved and twisted, Avrinkled, swollen, and fleshy at the
base, and set upon an obtuse point on one side 4|(f a slight projection :
Eye, large, open, slightly depressed in a very shallow basin ; segments
of the calyx rather short, rounded, and quite reflexed : Flesh, yellowish
white, melting and juicy : Flavor, sprightly, rich, and saccharine, with a
little perfume : Core, small : Seeds, medium size, long and pointed.
Ripe in December, and often keeps till February.
[48]
THE ■ J! 0 S TIE Z ER PE APl.
Fnnis of Anierrca, Plate U°
Drawji. from IfcTurp & CJiromo ijr(7i* by W. b'.hur-p.
THE ROSTIEZER PEAR.
RosTiEZER. Manning's Booh of Fruits, 1st series, 1838, No. 23.
The late Mr. Manning introduced this fine
pear to the notice of cultivators. It was one
among a number of new varieties obtained from
France, and he briefly described it in the Book
of Fruits, as above quoted. Subsequently, and
after further trial, he gave an account of it in
the Magazine of Horticulture, (vol. vi. p. 89,) and,
from specimens received from him in 1840, we
fully described it in the same work, (vol. ix. p.
135,) accompanied with a correct outline engrav-
ing, which we have now reproduced. As a summer or early autumn
pear, it is scarcely equalled in its spicy and luscious flavor, partaking
much of the character of the Seckel. Like the latter variety, it is a
small and somewhat indifferent looking fruit, but, from its other fine
qualities, holding the highest rank among the choicest pears.
The origin of the Rostiezer is unknown. It was received from the
nurseries of Messrs. Baumann, of Bollwiller, on the Rhine, and it is un-
doubtedly a German pear, introduced by them, — as their collection con-
tains several other varieties whose names are confined to their catalogue.
Mr. Manning imported it in 1834 or '35, and it first fruited in 1837
or '38. Since then, it has been considerably disseminated, but its mer-
its do not appear to have been fully appreciated until the last four or
five years. The list of first-rate early pears is extremely limited, but,
with a few such additions as the Rostiezer and Tyson, the season, be-
tween the ripening of the Madeleine, or the Doyenne d'Ete and the
Williams's Bon Chretien, would be well supplied with some of the
richest pears.
The Rostiezer, we have already remarked, is a rather small pear, be-
ing scarcely as large as the Madeleine. The tree, however, is an abun-
dant beai'er, the fruit being produced in clusters. It is of vigorous,
strong, and healthy growth, but with a spreading and irregular habit,
and usually bears the fourth or fifth year. It succeeds well upon the
quince or pear stock.
Tree. — Vigorous, of erect growth while young, but assuming, in a
few years, an irregular, spreading, and partially drooping habit. Our
[49]
ROSTlEZEii TEAK.
engraving is from a tree in Mr. Manning's collection, in full bearing,
eight or nine years old.
Wood. — Clear reddish brown, dotted with russet specks, strong, stout,
and short-jointed; old wood slightly rough, dull reddish brown, with
prominent whitish specks ; buds medium size, shortly pointed, diverging,
with rather prominent shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish ovate, generally broadest near the
middle, and tapering to each end; thick, dull dark green, somewhat
incurved at the edges, and finely but rather obtusely serrated ; petioles
moderately stout, about one and a half inches long.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals cupped.
Feu IT. — Medium size ; in large specimens, about two inches long,
and one and three quarter inches in diameter ; Form, regular, pyram-
idal, full at the crown, tapering regularly to a point at the stem :
Skin, slightly rough, dull russety green, broadly tinged with dull red,
somewhat russeted on the sunny side, and covered with dark greenish
specks : Stem, very long, about one and a half inches, slender, sHghtly
knobby, and obliquely inserted on one side, with a slight cavity beneath :
Eye, rather large, open, scarcely depressed, surrounded with uneven an-
gles or projections ; segments of the calyx short : Flesh, rather coarse,
yellowish, very melting and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary and sprightly,
with a delicious spicy perfume : Core, small : Seeds, small, pale brown.
Ripe the last of August and beginning of September,
[50]
T]-[E f-'^LEMlSJi BEAUTY PEAT!,,
Pmii's of Amp.ru.ii ,j'i nt" -T^"
Urciwn IViim Katiire 5 C'hroTiio luTi'' Ijy "W SJiQTp
THE FLEMISH BEAUTY PEAR.
Flemish Beauty. Pomological Magazine, vol. iii. pi. 128.
La Belle de Flandres,
bouche nouvelle,
Brilliant,
Imperatrice de France,
■ Josephine,
y Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Ed. 1842.
Josephine, i
TT" T3 / "I some,
rONDANTE DU BOIS, ^
Bosc Sire,
Bosch,
Beurre' Spence, Van Mons, in Revue des Eevues, 1830, p. 180.
Barnard, of some collections around Boston.
When Dr. Van Mons was asked, "if his own
taste was called upon to decide the question, to
which of all his new pears he would give the
preference," he immediately replied, " the Beurre
Spence," and added, " This fruit, to my taste,
is inestimable, and has no competitor." Such
would be our reply to the same question, substi-
tuting the name of Flemish Beauty for that of
Beurre Spence ; for, if large size, beautiful ap-
pearance, and delicious flavor, constitute a fine
fruit, the former variety possesses them all in a remarkable degree.
Under the name of the Barnard pear, the Flemish Beauty has been
known in Dorchester, Mass., for nearly twenty years, before we have any
knowledge of its introduction under the latter name, and the inference
is, from its answering in every particular to Dr. Van Mons's description
of the Beurre Spence, that it is identical with that celebrated vaiiety.
Under that name we have received it from English and French collec-
tions, and we have ventured to place it among the synonymes above.
There is one peculiarity of the Flemish Beauty which should always
be borne in mind by cultivators. If the fruit remains upon the tree
until fully ripe, it loses most of its flavor. It should always be gathered
while it adheres firmly to the tree ; it then becomes extremely melting
and luscious.
The Flemish Beauty, from its vigorous growth, does not come into
bearing very early, — about the fifth or sixth year, — but, when it begins
to bear, it produces the most abundant crops of large fruit, often meas-
uring twelve inches in circumference. It does not succeed very well
upon the quince.
[51]
FLEMISH BEAUTY PEAK.
Tkee. — Vigorous, with a spreading habit; in old trees sometimes
slightly drooping.
Wood. — Clear reddish brown, with rather numerous whitish specks ;
annual shoots long, rather slender, and short-jointed; buds pointed j
prominent, with rather stout shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, tapering to the point, smooth, deep
glossy green, shghtly and obtusely serrated, the younger ones flat, the
older somewhat folded, and slightly recurved on the midrib; petioles
long, from one and a half to two inches, and rather slender.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, obovate, cupped.
Feuit. — Large, about three inches and a half long, and three inches
in diameter : Form, oblong-obovate, lai'gest about one third from the
crown, and tapering to an obtuse point at the stem : Skin, fair, slightly
rough, dull yellow, more or less traced with a rich deep russet, clouded
with green, beautifully mottled with crimson in the sun, and covered with
russet specks : Stem, medium length, about one inch long, moderately
stout, curved, and inserted in a small cavity, rather highest on one side :
Eye, small, open, and shghtly sunk in a smooth, shallow basin; seg-
ments of the calyx short, pointed : Flesh, white, little coarse, very melt-
ing and juicy: Flavor, rich, sugary and delicious, with a high aroma:
Core, large : Seeds, small, pale brown.
Ripe the last of September and beginning of October.
[52]
THE STETSO.^^S SJiEDlJNG PIACJI.
Fruitj of America, Plate JI°
DrawFL frorn Ji'ahire & ChTomo Inh^'bj W iSharp.
THE STETSON'S SEEDLING PEACH.
Stetson's Seedling. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xiii. p. 114.
So common is tlie practice of raising seedling peaches in this country,
that many cultivators produce them only in this way, and scarcely think
it necessai'y to resort to the labor of budding. That the peach is very
easily grown from seeds, and perhaps with more certainty of procuring
good varieties than any other fruit, is undoubtedly true ; yet, to rely
upon this mode for the general purposes of cultivation, is neither econ-
omy of time or money. There is a very great difference in the quality
of peaches ; and, to raise a seedling of the excellence of the Grosse
Mignonne or Noblesse, to say nothing of being superior, as it should
be, in some respects, to be deserving of a name, is a task not very easily
accomplished. That our American varieties of the peach will be so much
improved as to equal or sui-pass any we now possess, there is no reason
to doubt; but it will be a work of time, and not to be expected at once.
The splendid variety now figured was raised by N. Stetson, Esq., of
Bridgewater, Mass. It was an accidental seedling, which sprung up in
his garden in 1843, and, being a promising-looking tree, it was removed,
in 1845, to a favorable spot, on the south side of the house, where it
could be trained to a trellis. It grew rapidly, and, in the fall of 1846,
it first produced a few specimens of fruit of such remarkable excellence
as at once to place it among the very choicest varieties in cultivation.
Since then, it has continued to bear abundantly, and to fully maintain its
high character; ranking with the Noblesse in size, surpassing it in
beauty, and equalling it in its delicious flavor. The tree is a vigorous,
rapid, and healthy grower.
Leaves. — Rather large, and somewhat wavy, crenated, with small
globose glands.
Flowers. — Small.
Fruit. — Large, about two and a half inches broad, and two and a
half long : Form, roundish, full at the base, and tapering little to a very
prominent point at the apex ; suture very indistinct, with a moderately
deep and narrow cavity at the stem : Skin, slightly downy, greenish
white, delicately and beautifully marbled and abruptly shaded with deep
crimson on the sunny side : Flesh, white, fine, rayed with pink at the
stone, from which it parts freely, very melting and juicy, brisk, exceed-
ingly rich and luscious : Stone, large, broad, and rather thick, but
deeply and coarsely furrowed, and acutely pointed.
Ripe from the middle to the last of September.
[53]
THE m\Y :BrGAEPLEATJ CRERKY. .
YrxLits of Amerce a, Plate K? Driwii. from. jN''a.ture & C'liroTTto [iHif 'by- T*/" iSkiirp
THE MAY BIGARREAU CHERRY.
May Bigaereau. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. vii. p. 388.
BiGARREAU DE Mai, American Oichardist, 3cl Ed.
BiGARREAu DE Mai, ot some French collections.
Baumann's May, Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
The origin of the May Bigarreau cherry is unknown ; all we have of
its history is, that it was received, among several other varieties of
cherries, by Col. Wilder, late President of the Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society, from Messrs. Baumann, nurserymen, of Bollwiller, in
France, about the year 1838. Several of the very earliest and best
sorts were ordered by him, but, as often happens with importations of
fruit trees, as well as plants, the labels of some of them were lost off,
and this unfortunately was among the number. The invoice, however,
enumerated one as the Bigarreau de Mai ; and, as none of the varieties
proved to be remarkably early but this, it was natural to conclude that
the name belonged to this cherry.
The tree first produced fruit in the summer of 1841, when some
handsome specimens were exhibited early in June, long before any other
sorts were near ripe. In some subsequent years, it has been fully ma-
ture as early as the first of June. Last season, the fruit on young
trees, in our collection, began to color before the May Duke was appa-
rently half grown, thus fully entitling it to the name of the earliest
cherry. It is also one of the most prolific bearers.
The late Mr. R. Manning gave a brief description, in the Magazine
of Horticulture, (vol. viii. p. 281,) of fifty-four varieties of the cherry,
which had fruited in his extensive collection up to that time, (1842,)
with their relative period of maturity ; and, by a reference to that arti-
cle, we find the date of the ripening of the earliest kind, June 23d, the
variety being one of Mr. Manning's seedlings, called the Early Black
Heart : seven varieties ripened between that and the May Duke, which
was not mature until the 30th of June ; and, according to his state-
ment, the May Bigarreau would be about one month earlier than that
old, and generally considered early, cheiTy. Unless, therefore, the Eaiiy
Purple Guigne, which is yet but little known in American collections,
proves to be remarkably early, the May Bigarreau may be safely set
down as, at least, a fortnight earlier than, any other variety.
To aid in the distinction of some fruits, particularly the cherry and
peach, pomological writers have adopted various methods of classifica-
tion. With the cherry, the French have been the most successful, and
[55]
31 A Y B I G A R R E A U CHERRY.
their system of arrangement has generally been followed ; but, with the
great increase of new kinds from seed, the distinctions, once so well
defined, have become less and less apparent, until they have, in some
instances, been almost entirely merged into one another. Thus, in the
family of Bigarreautiers, which included only the hard-fieslied cherries,
the varieties have been so altered, by cross-fertilization, that the tender-
est of this class, and the firmest of the heart cherries, (Guigniers,) do
not admit of any distinction in this respect.
Aware, after much experience, of the vagueness of the divisions
adopted by French writers, Mr. R. Thompson, in a valuable article in
the Horticultural Transactions, (vol. v. p. 248,) describing more than fifty
varieties, prepared a classification of his own, based upon the natural
habits of the trees, and not upon the mere consistence of the flesh.
His method of arrangement consists of two classes, as follows : —
Class 1. Those with large, pendent leaves, wavy on the margin.
Class 2. Those with smaller leaves, with the margin plane.
To the first class, are referred all the Bigarreau and Heart cherries ;
and, to the second, the aqueous varieties, as the Dukes, Morellos, &c.
Mr. Thompson's arrangement appears far the best adapted to the
cherry in its present improved state, and we shall embrace the opportu-
nity of referring to it again.
We complete our description of the May Bigarreau as follows : —
Tree. — ^Vigorous, partially spreading, regular in form, with a rather
compact habit.
Wood. — Moderately strong, short-jointed, rich shining brown, nearly
covered with a silvery gray epidermis ; buds large, ovate.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate oblong, sHghtly waved on the margin,
broadest about the middle, obtuse at the base, and shortly tapering to
the point ; unequally, coarsely and deeply serrated, with prominent veins
beneath ; petioles rather short, about three quarters of an inch long,
moderately stout, with two large reniform glands near the base of the leaf.
Flowers. — Medium size, opening earlier than any other variety ; pe-
tals thin and wavy ; style and stamens about equal length.
Fruit. — Rather small, about three quarters of an inch in diameter,
oval heart-shaped, and somewhat angular in its outline : Skin, rich
deep red; when fully mature becoming of a shining dark purplish color :
Stem, medium length, about one and a half inches long, moderately
stout, and inserted in a narrow, rather shallow, and irregular cavity :
Flesh, purplish red, soft and tender : Juice, abundant, with a sweet,
rich flavor : Stone, medium size, roundish ovate.
Ripe the last of May and early part of June.
[56]
fruits of America P-
,rii PivEADISE .'D'AUTOMFE PEAR,
Br.xwTL frciniFature & Cli.roiTio litk'? "by "W. Sliarp.
THE PARADISE D'AUTOMNE PEAR.
Paeadise d'Automne. Kenrick's American Orchardist, 3d Ed.
Among the more recently introduced pears, the
Paradise dAutomne holds a conspicuous place.
The first account we find of it is in the American
Orchardist, 3d Ed. 1841, where Mr. Kenrick de-
scribes it as a new pear, received in England from
France. Subsequently, it was enumerated and de-
scribed in the Catcdogue of the London Horticultu-
ral Society, 3d Ed. 1812, with the remark, by Mr.
Thompson, that it was " very like the Beurre Bosc,"
and its general resemblance to that fine pear has
induced some authors to consider the tw^o synonymous. It is, however,
quite distinct, and may readily be distinguished by the more iiTegular
and uneven outline of the fruit, as well as by its more melting and but-
tery flesh. In the wood and foliage, the two are very dissimilar; the
Paradise dAutomne having small leaves, and a reddish wood so thickly
and distinctly dotted with large whitish grey specks, as to distinguish it
at once. In quality, it is fully equal, if not superior, to the Bosc.
The Paradise dAutomne was introduced by Mr. Kenrick, who gave
scions to the late R. Manning, in whose Pomological Garden, at Salem,
it first fruited in this country in the autumn of 1844, when the tree
produced about a dozen pears : it has continued to bear every year since,
and our drawing, which is a most correct representation of the fruit,
was made from some beautiful specimens sent us by Mr. Manning last
autumn : our outline engraving is from a specimen from the same tree
in 1846.
The Paradise dAutomne is a much more vigorous growing tree than
the Beurre Bosc, making long and moderately stout shoots, upright at
first, but afterwards becoming straggling and irregular. Our vignette
represents a young pyramidal tree, three years from the bud. Whether
it will succeed upon the quince, has not yet been fully ascertained : we
are under the impression it will not prove long-lived on that stock, as
we have trees, two years grafted, which present a rather feeble appear-
ance. On the pear, it comes soon into bearing, about the fourth year.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright when young, with the annual shoots often
curved; but, as the tree becomes older, assuming a straggling and
somewhat pendulous habit.
Wood. — Reddish brown, thickly dotted with very large, oblong, whit-
[57]
PARADISE D'AUTOMNE PEAR,
ish grey specks, and short-jointed ; buds roundish, shortly pointed, di-
verging, with very stout, prominent shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — Small, ovate, rather thick, dark green, tapering towards
each end, shghtly wavy, and nearly entire on the edge ; petioles short,
about three quarters of an inch in length, and moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals oval, cupped, and entire on the edge,
with a rather short claw.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and two and a
half in diameter : Form, pyramidal, slightly irregular and uneven on
the surface, large and full in the middle, little contracted as it tapers to
the stem where it ends obtusely : Skin, shghtly rough, dull yehow,
profusely covered with bright russet, thickest on the sunny side where it
has a ruddy tinge : Stem, long, about one and a half inches, moderately
slender, uneven, curved, and obliquely attached to the fruit by a fleshy
and oftentimes Avrinkled base : Eye, rather large, open, and moderately
depressed in a much-furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx long, re-
flexed : Flesh, yellowish white, coarse, melting, buttery and juicy :
Flavor, rich, sugary, sprightly, perfumed and delicious : Core, small :
Seeds, medium size, long and pointed.
Ripe in September, and will keep two or three weeks.
[58]
THE DOYENNE V^ BTE ?EAR.
Triiiti oF Aituerrca PUte K?
BvcLvai from. ^Fature & Ciirorno litk?'- hy W. k^harp
THE DOYENNE' D'ETE' PEAR.
Doyenne' d'Ete'. TJieorie Y<in Mom, [Mag. of Hort., vol. xiii. p. 06.)
Doyenne' de Juillet, Thompson, in Gard. Chronicle, 1847.
Summer Doyenne', Fruits and Fruit Trees of America,
The number of really good early pears is so exceedingly
limited, that every addition to the list is viewed with great
interest by the zealous cultivator. The early pears gener-
ally cultivated, with few exceptions, are small and inferior-
flavored, and, indeed, scarcely worth growing, — certainly
not by amateur cultivators for their own use. It is, there-
fore, with no little gratification that we introduce to greater
notice the Doyenne d'Ete, a variety of recent introduction
to American collections, and, as yet, but little disseminated.
In France, it is a tolerably well-known peai', but its cultiva-
tion seems to have been confined to the vicinity of Nantes, where it is
raised abundantly, and is esteemed as one of the best early pears. It
ripens fully as early as the Madeleine; and the fruit, which is equal in
quality to that old variety, has the merit of being far more beautiful,
having a fair yellow skin, with a brilliant red cheek. All its qualities
considered, it must claim a place in every good collection.
The Doyenne d'Ete was first brought to the notice of American po-
mologists by Mr. Kenrick, who published a description of the pear from
M. Poiteau's work, entitled Theorie Van Mons, as long ago as 1836. It
does not, however, appeal' to have been introduced until 1843, at which
period we received trees from Paris, which grew rapidly, and, in 1845,
came into bearing. It is stated, in the Bon Jardinier, that it was first
introduced to Paris by M. Noisette, in 1830 ; but, as it is not enume-
rated in the latest Catalogue of the London Horticultural Society, (1842,)
we apprehend it had not become generally known to cultivators.
After the experience of three years, we consider the Doyenne d'Ete
as deserving a rank among the best early varieties. The tree is a vig-
orous and healthy grower, a most abundant as well as an early bearer,
and it succeeds finely upon the quince, coming into fruit, on young trees,
only two years from the bud. The specimens have also been unifoi-mly
fair. Like most summer pears, some cai^e is necessary in gathering the
fruit; to have it in the best condition, it should be picked just as it
changes from green to yellow ; if gathered too soon, it will not have
attained its rich flavor. — and, if too late, it will have lost it. But if
[69]
DOYENNE' D'ETE PEAK.
taken from the tree at the proper time, it will ripen off in the house,
and possess a flesh as melting as the White Doyenne.
Teee. — Vigorous, with an erect and upright habit, branching regu-
larly ; annual shoots moderately stout, and slightly curved at the ends.
Wood. — Clear ohve yellow, with pale brown specks, and rather short-
jointed ; old wood grayish olive ; buds medium size, shortly pointed, and
shghtly diverging : Flower-buds medium size, ovate.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong-ovate, narrow, tapering much to the
point, little recurved on the midrib, partially drooping, and regularly
but not very deeply serrated ; petioles long, about one and a half inches
in length, and rather slender.
Flowers. — Medium size; petals thick, obovate, and cupped.
Feuit. — Medium size, about two inches long, and two inches in di-
ameter : Form, roundish-turbinate, largest in the middle, tapering
roundly to the stem, where it is obtuse : Skin, fair, smooth, pale yellowish
green, becoming nearly yellow when mature, broadly shaded and marbled
with brilliant red on the sunny side, and dotted with greenish russet
specks : Stem, rather long, about one and a quarter inches, moderately
stout, yellowish brown, slightly fleshy at the base, and obliquely inserted,
without any cavity, under a slight projection : Eye, small, closed, and
inserted in a very shallow basin ; segments of the calyx short, stifl",
projecting: Flesh, yellowish white, little coarse, melting, buttery and
juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary, sprightly, pleasantly perfumed, and excel-
lent : Core, medium size : Seeds, small, flattened, dark brown.
Ripe the end of July and beginning of August.
[GO]
eeurr'e d'afjo'u.
Fruity of Amsrrca Plate S"" Drajrafrom 5(anire & CHromo l!t'h<'T)y "W" Sharp
4
THE BEURRE' D'ANJOU PEAR.
Beuree' d'Anjou. Kenrick's American Orchardist, 3d Ed. 1841.
Ne Plus Mkuris, of some French Collections.
The Beurre dAnjou, though not a very new
variety, is of quite recent addition to American
collections of pears ; and it proves to be one of
the most beautiful as well as one of the largest
and most valuable sorts we now possess. It comes
in at a season when we have but a Umited supply
of excellent varieties, and, from its productiveness,
size, beauty, and other superior qualities, must
become an indispensable addition to all good col-
lections of pears.
The origin of the Beurre dAnjou is unknown
to us. Li some of the French Catalogues it is stated to have origi-
nated in the vicinity of Angers, near Paris ; but whether this is correct
or not, we have no means of ascertaining, as we cannot find any notice
of it in any pomological work except that of Mr. Kenrick, who intro-
duced it to the notice of American cultivators. In the Catalogue of the
London Horticultural Society, 3d Ed., 1842, it is set down as a synonyme
of the Brown Beurre ; but either the true vaiiety could never have ex-
isted in the society's collection, or a great error must have been commit-
ted ; for the two pears are too distinct to have been considered identical.
It is somewhat remarkable that, in the lai-ge number of peai's proved
in the very extensive collection in the pomological garden of Mr. Man-
ning, and principally described in the Magazine of Horticulture, the
Beurre dAnjou should not have been found among them. It first
fruited in the collection of Col. Wilder, of Dorchester, in 1845, and its
cultivation is yet mostly confined to amateur collections.
The Beurre dAnjou is a rapid growing and healthy tree, forming a
fine pyramid in five or six years. The fruit is borne on the ends of
the shoots, and when every branch is terminated with well grown speci-
mens the tree presents a highly beautiful appearance. It succeeds
admirably upon the quince, our tree being upwards of ten feet high,
tliough only six years planted out ; and last season it produced upwards
of sixty pears, some of which weighed half a pound. The fruit ripens
freely and keeps well.
Tree. — Vigorous, with strong shoots, thrown out horizontally at first,
but afterwards tm-ning upwards with the ends quite erect ; as it becomes
older, from the weight of fruit, the branches assume a diverging habit.
[61]
BEURRE' D'ANJOU PEAR.
Wood. — Yellowish olive, dotted with pale gi^ay specks, stout, and
short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds large, short, ovate, diverging,
with rather prominent shoulders : Flower-buds large, bluntly obovate.
Leaves. — Large, oblong, rounded at the base, and tapering regularly
to the point, recurved on the midrib, smooth, pale green, undulated,
folded inwards, and nearly entire on the edge; petioles rather long,
nearly two inches in length, stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals with a long claw and much cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and three in
diameter : Form, oblong-obovate, full and rounded at the crown, nar-
rowing to an obtuse point at the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish,
very broadly marked on the sunny side with dull red, much russetted
around the eye, and regularly covered with minute russety specks :
Stem, short, about half an inch long, always stout and thick, curved,
and obhquely inserted in a shallow cavity, formed by uneven swellings
and projections of the fruit : Eye, medium size, open, and depressed in
a small, round, regularly formed basin ; segments of the calyx con-
nected, thick, reflexed : Flesh, yellowish white, rather coai'se, melting,
and very juicy : Flavor, rich, sprightly, vinous, highly perfumed, and
dehcious : Core, small : Seeds, large, long, and pointed.
Ripe in October and November, and keeps well.
[62]
.DEARBORNS SEEDLIF&.
Fruiti- of A-mercca,f [ate iV? Drawn frouL jTature S CliTomo littii 5y V. jfiarp.
THE DEARBORN'S SEEDLING PEAR.
Deaeborn's Seedling. Neio England Farmer, vol. x. p. 59.
This fine eai'ly pear, though among the first
American varieties which were brought to the notice
of cultivators, is just beginning to be properly appre-
ciated. It has many valuable quahties. The tree
is a vigorous and healthy grower, the fruit of fan-
size, and of superior quality, and it comes at a sea-
son when the supply of fine kinds is not abundant.
Until the introduction of the Bloodgood, Tyson, and
Rostiezer, it was the only excellent pear ripening
between the Jargonelle and the Williams's Bon
Chretien.
The Dearborn's Seedhng originated in the garden of Gen. H. A. S.
Dearborn, of Roxbury, the first president of the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society, about thirty yeai's ago. It was found growing in a
border of shrubs, in a cluster of syringa and rose bushes, and when
about five years old. Gen. Dearborn concluded to remove it to a small
nui'sery for the purpose of using it as a stock ; but, in the attempt to
replant it, it was found to have only a single tap root of great length ;
and as it was doubtful whether the shortening of this root might not
cause its death. Gen. Dearborn concluded to let the tree remain until it
came into bearing, and ordered the earth to be replaced. In 1830, it
produced one pear; and in 1832, thirty-five.
The tree is supposed to have sprung from a seed accidentally dropped
where it stood, as there were no pear trees in the vicinity of it at that
time, or for many years previous. It grew rapidly, and in such regular
form, tliat there was no occasion to attempt improving it by pruning.
In 1831, Gen. Dearborn sent some of the pears to the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society, with a letter describing the fruit ; and it was
justly pronounced a valuable acquisition.
Dearborn's Seedling is a very free growing variety ; upright, regular,
and handsome in form, and rather tardy in coming into bearing ; it
succeeds, however, very well upon the quince, and produces good crops
of fine and fair sized firuit. Our drawing is from specimens produced
upon the quince.
Tree. — Vigorous, erect, and rather tall, running up with long shoots,
extending horizontally till within eighteen or twenty inches of the ends,
which are turned upwards and very erect.
163]
DEARBORN'S SEEDLING PEAR.
Wood. — Reddish brown, freckled with small fawn-colored specks;
old wood, dull grayish brown ; buds, small, short, rounded, erect :
Flower-buds medium size, ovate, with slightly woolly scales.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, rounded at the base, shortly pointed,
smooth, undulated, and httle folded at the edges, with conspicuous
nerves beneath, and finely and regularly serrated; petioles medium
length, about one and a quarter inches, somewhat slender.
Flowers. — ^Medium size ; petals round, cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two inches long, and two inches in
diameter : Form, roundish, inclining to obovate, largest in the middle,
rounded at the crown, and narrowing little to the stem : Skin, fair, smooth,
thin, pale green, becoming of a beautiful lemon yellow when mature, with
a large fawn- colored blotch at the base of the stem, and the surface dot-
ted with minute russety specks : Stem, rather long, about an inch and
a quarter in length, moderately slender, smooth, curved, and obliquely
inserted in a very small cavity : Eye, rather small, open, and shghtly
depressed ; segments of the calyx short, thick, projecting : Flesh, yel-
lowish white, fine, melting, buttery, and juicy: Flavor, rich, sugary,
dehcately perfumed, and delicious : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium
size, long, pointed, and dark brown.
Ripe from the early part of August to the first of September.
[64]
r
EEURRE BOSC
Amertca^ Plate y
Htsynx from. Natm'e St CJiromo
THE BEURRE' BOSC PEAR.
Beurre Bosc. Lon. Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 2d Ed. 1831.
Calebasse Bosc, \
Beurre' d'Yelle, of some, f ^^ ^ _ , „ ,
,, ivT r Lon. Hort. Soc. Cat., 3d Ed. 1842.
Marianne Nouvelle,
Bosc's Flaschenbirne, f
The Beurre Bosc has such a high and well
known reputation, that it would seem almost super-
fluous to recapitulate its merits. Since its intro-
duction to our gardens it has continued to be a
general favorite, and it has been set down as a
variety which cannot be omitted from the smallest
collection of pears. It is a moderately vigorous
and healthy growing tree, with large, glossy, and
ample foliage, — quite conspicuous, in this respect,
among other pear trees, — and, when loaded with its
large, bell-shaped, rich-looking russety fruit, dis-
tributed evenly, but not thicldy, over the branches, no pear has a more
noble and attractive aspect.
The Beurre Bosc was raised as long ago as 1807. It was one of
the early acquisitions of Van Mons, when his system of producing
seedlings first began to attract attention ; and was named by him in
honor of his friend, M. Bosc, a distinguished Belgian pomologist. It
was sent to the London Horticultural Society about 1820, and was
introduced into American collections in 1832 or 1833, when scions
were received, by Messrs. Manning and Kenrick, from Dr. Van Mons
and the London Horticultural Society about the same time. It first
fruited in Mr. Manning's collection in 1836, and he gave a brief account
of it in the Magazine of Horticulture, (vol. iii. p. 47,) for 1837.
The Beurre Bosc, in the nursery and while young, is a rather mod-
erate grower, and the shoots bend and incline downwards ; but when it
gets established it thrives well, and makes long and vigorous branches.
It does not succeed very well upon the quince unless double worked. It
is rather late in coming into bearing, generally the fifth or sixth year ;
but when it begins to fruit it produces regular crops, the pears being
borne singly — not in clusters as with most kinds — and, on this account,
the trees have the appearance of having been thinned.
Tree. — Vigorous, somewhat irregular and diverging while young,
l)ut, with age, attaining an upright and spreading habit.
Wood. — Brown, dotted with large pale gray specks, long-jointed,
and moderately stout ; old wood, dull gray brown ; annual shoots rather
[65]
BEURRE BOSC TEAR.
long; buds, medium size, pointed, little diverging, with prominent
shoulders : Flower-buds medium size.
Leaves. — Large, broad, and rounded at the base, tapering consider-
ably to the point, thick, dark green, glossy on the upper side, with
prominent nerves, slightly undulated and without serratures on the
edge ; petioles long, about two inches in length, and moderately stout.
Flo^vees. — Large ; petals narrow, with a long claw and little cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about four inches long, and three in diameter : Form,
pyramidal, little uneven on the surface, large full and round at the
base, contracted near the middle, and from thence gradually tapering to
the stem : Sldn, neai'ly smooth, bright cinnamon russet all over, with
occasional rough patches of a darker shade, and a few scattered black-
ish dots : Stem, long, about one and a half inches in length, curved,
rather slender, light brown ; Eye, small, closed, and but shghtly de-
pressed in a shallow basin ; segments of the calyx short : Flesh, yel-
lowish white, fine, buttery, melting, and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary,
perfumed, and dehcious : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size,
darlv brown.
Ripe in September and October, and matures gradually
[66]
HirBBARDSIOlS' NOKSIJCH.
Iruifs oF Am er tea, Plate KT
Drawu from Fahire il Clironio Tctfi':'^ hv M' Sharp .
THE HUBBARDSTON NONSUCH APPLE.
HuBBAKDSTON NoNSUCH. Keiirick's American Orchardist, 1st Ed. 1832.
The Hubbardston Nonsuch holds the same place
among early winter apples, that the Baldwin does
among the later ones, or the Porter among the au-
tumn varieties. Of large si^e, beautiful appearance,
and rich flavor, it possesses a combination of all the
qualities of the finest apples. Nor does its excellence
stop here ; for the tree is a good grower, with large
and handsome fohage, and in every stage of its growth,
whether in the nursery row, or when it has attained a
matm-e age, possesses a stately and symmetrical habit.
It is also one of our hardiest sorts, surpassing, in this
respect, the Baldwin ; it thrives well in various parts of the country,
and in the Western states, where some of our New England apples
have been affected with what is called the bitter rot, the Hubbardston
Nonsuch has been declared " first rate in every particular."
This fine apple was introduced to notice by Capt. Hyde, of Newton,
one of our oldest nurserymen, upwards of thirty years ago, who pro-
cured scions, and distributed a gi-eat number of trees from his nursery
long before its merits were generally known. It originated in the town
of Hubbardston in this State, and was first described by Mr. Kenrick, in
the first edition of the American Orchardist, nearly twenty years ago. It
is not yet very extensively disseminated, but as it becomes better known,
it will undoubtedly occupy a prominent place in every good orchard.
The Hubbardston Nonsuch in the orchard bears a full crop only in
alternate, or what are usually termed bearing, yeai^s, and a small crop
in the intermediate years. The fruit, though always handsome, is
greatly improved by high cultivation, being then unusually large and
brilhantly colored, as represented in our drawing. Its season of ripen-
ing is usually from November to February ; but it may be kept in a
cool cellar till March, in very good condition, though at the sacrifice of
most of its fine flavor.
Tree. — ^Mgorous, upright, with regularly curved branches, the ends
erect; when full grown, making a uniform and moderately spreading
head.
Wood. — Brownish chestnut, sprinkled with whitish specks, moder-
ately strong, and not very long-jointed ; annual shoots rather slender,
long, and very downy at the ends : Buds, rather small, short, and little
flattened.
[67]
IIUBBARDSTON NONSUCH APPLE.
Leaves. — ^Rather lai'ge, ovate-oblong, broadest near the middle, nar-
rowing little to the base, and tapering to the point, thick, deep shining
green above, and covered with a whitish down beneath ; deeply,
coarsely, and unequally serrated, with prominent nerves, and folded
inwards at the edges ; petioles, medium length, about one inch long,
and rather stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals oblong, nearly flat, thin, somewhat
wavy, and tinged with pink.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a quarter inches broad, and three
inches deep : Form, roundish, or roundish conical, largest near the
middle, narrowing towards the crown, and shghtly to the stem : Skin,
fair, smooth, glossy, of a rich yellow, nearly covered with deep orange
red, rather indistinctly striped with light crimson, often russetted
around the base of the stem, and sparsely dotted on the surface with
large russet specks : Stem, medium length, about three quarters of an
inch long, rather slender, and moderately inserted in a broad, regular
cavity : Eye, large, partially open, and little sunk in a broad, open, and
ribbed basin ; segments of the calyx broad and very short: Flesh, yel-
lowish, rather fine, crisp and tender : Juice, tolerably abundant, with a
rich admixture of sweet and acid, high-flavored and excellent: Core,
small, nearly close : Seeds, medium size, plump.
Ripe in October, and keeps in good condition until February.
[G8]
TUK, DIX PEAR
Fniily orArrLerti'fi T'ldle N""
Drawn Kr<i nt fTatu re <S Cdroini) lith'' l)vr W, Miarp
THE DIX PEAR.
Dix. New England Farmer, vol. viii. p. 161, 1830.
Few, if any, of our native pears hold a higher rank
than the Dix. The large size, beautiful appearance,
and exquisite flavor of its fruit, added to the vigor
and hardiness of the tree, its productiveness, con-
stant bearing, and period of maturity, give it a com-
bination of quahties which but few varieties possess.
"When originally brought into notice, in 1829, it was
pronounced " one of the very best autumn pears,
which might, with the greatest safety, be introduced
into oui' gardens ;" and twenty yeai's' experience have
fully confirmed the correctness of that opinion.
The Dix originated in Boston, in the garden of Madame Dix, in com-
pliment to whom it was named, about thirty-five years ago. The tree
sprung from seed near the house, and grew so rapidly, that, in 1829, it
had attained the height of twenty-three feet, with a stem ten inches in
diameter ; it still stands in the same spot, and has now become a very
lai'ge tree. It first began to bear in 1825, but did not produce a full
crop till 1829, since which time it has continued to bear abundant
crops of fine fruit.
The Dix is very late in coming into bearing, and, on this account,
cultivators have often rejected it in making a selection of fine pears.
The average period of its fruiting is eight or ten years, occasionally in
four or five, but oftener twelve and upwards. It has, however, the good
quality of constant bearing after it has attained a fruiting state, and the
pears ripen off as freely as the Baldwin apple. It does not succeed
upon the quince unless double-worked.
The Dix is one of the most marked varieties in the nursery. The
wood is almost as yellow, smooth, and slender, as a willow; but the tree
has an erect and upright habit, and in time forms a large and fine head.
Teee. — ^Vigorous, upright, with rather long and slender annual shoots,
occasionally thorny, horizontal at first, but erect at the ends ; as the
branches become older they assume a rather straggling habit.
Wood. — Clear light yellow, smooth and glossy, with very minute dots,
slender and rather long-jointed ; old wood, pale olive yellow ; buds,
medium size, roundish ovate, sHghtly diverging, with very prominent
shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size.
[69]
DIX PEAR
Leaves. — Small, ovate, light green, broadest in the middle, tapering
to each end, little recurved on the midrib, shghtly wavy, and somewhat
reflexed at the edges, with a smooth and glossy surface, and very finely
serrated ; petioles long, about two inches in length, slender.
Flowers. — Medium size, petals narrow.
Fruit. — Large, about four inches long and three and a half in
diameter : Form, oblong, inclining to pyramidal, regular, largest in the
middle, tapering to an obtuse point at the stem : Skin, slightly rough,
greenish yellow, becoming pale yellow when mature, broadly tinged
with pale red in the sun, and mottled with dots of a deeper shade,
often russeted around the crown, and regularly and thickly covered with
large distinct russet specks : Stem, medium length, about an inch long,
rather stout, curved, and inserted in a shallow cavity, formed by swell-
ings and projections of the fruit, highest on one side : Eye, medium
size, open and slightly sunk in a very shallow, plaited or fmTowed
basin ; segments of the calyx short, stiff, projecting : Flesh, yellowish
white, coarse, melting, and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary, slightly vinous,
perfumed and deUcious : Core, rather large : Seeds, small.
Ripe in November, and keeps four or five weeks.
[70]
m,-.
TTtE LA.S C/ANAS PEAR
T'ruits op AiiLenca, Plalr W
Drukvti from ijdlurc iV (.'hj'(jrni) litliJ- by'WTShnrp
THE LAS CANAS PEAR.
Las Canas. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xv. p. 197, 1849.
The Las Canas is one of the numerous varieties in-
troduced through the exertions of the late Mr. Manning,
of Salem, who obtained the scions from M. Emehen de
Wael, an amateur cultivator of Antwerp, and an intimate
friend of Dr. Van Mons, who at that time possessed
one of the most extensive collections of pears. M. de
Wael visited this country about twelve years ago, and
on his return home forwarded to Messrs. Manning and
Kenrick scions of many new varieties of pears, and the
Las Canas was among the number.
It first fruited in the Pomological Garden about five
years ago, giving promise of great excellence ; and the experience of
successive years has proved it to be a most valuable acquisition. It
has much of the character of those fine sorts, the Tyson and Rostiezer,
possessing the rich spicy aroma which renders those varieties so popu-
lar and generally esteemed. It is only a medium-sized fruit ; but its
many fine quahties, added to its productiveness, — bearing its fruit in
clusters, — vigorous habit, and early bearing, place it among the very
best pears.
The origin of the Las Canas is unknown ; it is probably a seedling
produced by some of the Belgian amateurs, who are constantly raising
new seedUngs, and to whom we are indebted for so many of our choicest
pears.
The form of this pear is somewhat peculiar ; the crown is large and
full, and, contracting shghtly in the middle, it tapers so regularly into
the stem that it is scarcely possible to say where it begins or ends.
The tree is of very upright and regular form while young, with branches
which make very acute angles, and its general form is similar to the
Wilhams's Bon Chretien, (or Bartlett.) Whether it will succeed well
upon the quince has not yet been ascertained. Mr. Manning, from
whom we received our specimens, and in whose collection the Las Canas
has, so far, only fruited, informs us that they were from a tree on the
pear, and that he had not tried it upon the quince.
Teee. — ^Moderately vigorous, upright, with erect annual shoots, which
ascend at very acute angles.
Wood. — Dull yellowish brown, smooth, and speckled with small
russet specks, moderately stout, rather short-jointed and blunt at the
ends; old wood, dull brownish olive; buds, medium size, rather long
171]
LAS CANAS PEAR.
and pointed, flattened, erect, incurved towards the ends, with small
shoulders, and partially covered with grayish scales : Flower-buds, me-
dium size, ovate.
Leaves, — Small, ovate, dull green, cordate at the base, shortly
pointed, shghtly wavy, and nearly entire at the edge ; petioles, medium
length, about one inch long, rather slender, and growing nearly erect.
Flowers. — Medium size, in compact clusters ; petals Httle cupped,
roundish, with nearly entire edges ; claw short.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and one
and three quarters in diameter : Form, pyramidal, very regular, obhque
at the crown, and tapering into the stem : Skin, shghtly rough, dull
yellowish green, very much russeted around the eye extending in
patches and tracing towards the stem, mottled with green, and covered
with small russet specks : Stem, medium length, about three quarters
of an inch long, slender, curved, thick at the end attached to the
branch, and swollen and fleshy at its junction with the fruit, which is
oblique : Eye, small, open, and inserted in a small, scarcely perceivable
basin ; segments of the calyx short, very broad, and reflexed : Flesh,
yellowish white, fine, melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich and saccha-
rine, with a high and deUcious aroma : Core, medium size : Seeds, me-
dium size, nearly black.
BiPE in October, and keeps two or three weeks.
[72]
Till',' Ull{rHE8.Sj^' J)' /VN{;OLIl,h;ME ]"'KAJi
Frurts of" America ITalH.l^i'
Drawn (toim Nulurp i1 Cliroino litli'.' by IV.'Sliarp
THE DUCHESSE OF ANGOULEME PEAR.
DucHESSE OF Angouleme. Pomological Magazine, vol. ii. pi. 76.
Few varieties of pears have attracted so much
attention as the Duchesse of Angouleme. The im-
mense size of the fruit, — its great beauty and rich
flavor, — as well as the vigor, hardiness, and produc-
tiveness of the tree, have given it a character which
entitles it to a place in the smallest collection. Some
cultivators, we are aware, have pronounced it a varia-
ble fruit, sometimes excellent, but oftener wanting in
flavor, and only to be considered a good pear. But
we are inclined to believe this character has only
been applied to it when grown in an unfavorable soil
or locality, or when, from some cause, the fruit has not been produced in
its best condition. The Pomological Magazine, above quoted, describes
it as " the very finest" of late autumn pears, and though this was twenty
years ago, since which time many new kinds have been introduced, we
know of no variety of the same season, except Swan's Orange, which
for general cultivation will surpass it.
The Duchesse of Angouleme was originally found growing in a hedge,
at Anvers, near Paris, upwards of thirty years ago ; but since its intro-
duction it has been rapidly and widely disseminated, and there are few
collections which do not contain one or more trees. The fruit often
grows to a very large size ; its ordinary weight is from twelve to sixteen
ounces ; but the specimen which our drawing so beautifully represents,
weighed upwards of twenty ounces, and grew upon a dwarf tree only
four or five years old.
The tree is of upright and stocky habit, and makes a beautiful and
symmetrical pyramid, growing admirably upon the quince, and forming
fine specimens at the age of four or five years. It is also a fine variety
for espaUers or walls ; and a trained tree, with a full crop, is one of the
most attractive objects of the fruit garden. It comes into bearing early,
either upon the pear or quince stock.
Teee. — ^\^igorous, upright and erect, the lateral branches ascending
at very acute angles ; annual shoots long and straight.
Wood. — Brownish yellow, thickly dotted with large prominent whitish
specks, stout and rather long-jointed ; old wood yellowish ohve ; buds,
medium size, long, slender, and sharply pointed, diverging : Flower-
buds, medium size, ovate, with somewhat wooly scales.
[731
DUCHESSE OF ANGOULEME PEAR.
Leaves. — Medium si^e, ovate, broadest in the middle, shortly pointed,
slightly wavy, of a bright shining green, finely nerved, and nearly entire
on the edge ; petioles medium length, about one and a quarter inches
long, and rather slender.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals narrow, oblong, nearly flat.
Fruit. — ^Very large, about four inches long and three and a half in
diameter : Form, roundish oblong, tapering little to the stem, where it
is very obtuse, with a very uneven and knobby surface : Sldn, fair,
smooth, rich deep yellow when mature, often tinged with blush on the
sunny side, with several scattered irregular russety patches, and the whole
surface regularly sprinkled with large russety specks : Stem, medium
length, about an inch long, thick and large where it adjoins the branch,
and deeply sunk in a round cavity : Eye, rather small, closed, and deeply
sunk in a much furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx short, incurved,
stiff: Flesh, white, fine, melting, buttery, and juicy: Flavor, rich, sac-
charine, perfumed, and excellent : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium
size, plump.
Rtpe in October and November, and keeps well.
[741
THE EAPjLY harvest APPLE
Frulls of America, P[ahe N'f
Vi-nivn Fro7ii¥ul[Lre.?-Cliroraol[lTi-:' bjW.Shmp,
THE EARLY HARVEST APPLE.
Early Harvest. Kenrick's American OrcharcUst, 1st Ed. 1833.
Large Early Harvest, Thatcher's Am. Orchardist.
Prince's Harvest, or i
Early French Reinette, \ ^^^^'^ ^'''' "f ^''' O'^^^rd, <^c.
July Pippin, Floy, in Guide to the Orchard, Am. Ed.
July Early Pippin, )
Large Early, \ H^^- Soc Catalogue, 3d. Ed. 1842.
Harvest, i
Yellow Harvest, , ^ , . „ ■
^ ,,_ ^ rol some American collections.
Large White Juneating,
Tart Bough, '
The Early Harvest is, without doubt, the finest
early apple we yet possess. Of good size, and
beautiful appearance, it has a crisp and tender
flesh, and combines, in its flavor, that pleasant ad-
mixture of sweet and acid which gives a freshness
peculiar among early apples.
Mr. Coxe, in his excellent work on fruit trees,
describes the Early Harvest under the names above
quoted from his work, and he is the first author
who notices this variety. He does not, however,
state its origin, or from whence he received it; but
as it has not been identified among the great number of foreign kinds
which have been introduced to American collections, there can be no
doubt of its native origin.
Though now upwards of thirty years since it was first brought to
notice by Mr. Coxe, it is yet very little cultivated, in comparison with
other sorts more recently introduced, and of inferior quality. The
supply of fruit for our markets is exceedingly limited, and what there
is, when large and fine, commands a very high price. That a variety so
excellent should not have been much more extensively disseminated is
somewhat remarkable, and we hope our description and figure of it may
aid in making it better known to all cultivators.
The Early Harvest is a moderately vigorous and healthy growing
tree, branching low, but forming, when full grown, a fine round head ;
it comes early into bearing, and produces abundant crops. The young
trees gi'ow upright, and may readily be distinguished among others from
the forked appearance of the lateral shoots, several of which spring
from the extremity of the previous year's wood.
[75]
EARLY HARVEST APPLE.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, the branches making very
acute angles.
Wood. — Reddish chestnut, sprinkled with small whitish specks, mod-
erately stout, short-jointed ; annual shoots somewhat downy at the
ends ; old wood, brownish chestnut ; buds, small, short, and flattened,
with small shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, frequently formed at
the ends of the shoots.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish obovate, rather hght green, taper-
ing to the point, wavy at the edges, and irregularly and rather obtusely
serrated ; petioles rather short, about half an inch long, stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals obovate, cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches broad, and two and a half
deep : Form, roundish, sometimes httle flattened at the base, rounding
off to the crown, which is full : Skin, fau% smooth, pale yellow or straw
color when mature, very slightly tinged with blush on the sunny side,
with a few traces of russet round the stem, and some scattered spots
of the same color, intermixed with white specks, over the surface :
Stem, medium length, about three quarters of an inch long, rather
slender, and inserted in a moderately deep and somewhat narrow cavity :
Eye, medium size, closed, and slightly sunk in a shallow, nearly smooth,
basin ; segments of the calyx narrow, twisted : Flesh, white, rather fine,
crisp, and tender : Juice, abundant, pleasantly acid, sprightly and well
flavored : Core, rather close : Seeds, small.
Ripe from the middle of July to the end of August.
[76]
riata I^'
THE BEURRE^ DIEL PEAR.
;. Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Beurrf/ Diel. Pomological Magazine, vol. i, pi. 19.
Dtel,
Diel's Butterbirne.
Dorothee' Royal,
Grosse Dorothee',
Beurre' Royal,
Des Trois Tours,
Beurre' d'Yelle, (of some,)
Gros Dillen,
DiLLEN,
De Melon,
Melon de Kops,
Beurre' Magnifique,
Beurre' Incomparable,
Sylvange Verte d'Hiver, of some Collections.
FouRCROY Bouvier, Thompson, in Card. Chron., 1845.
If the epithet of a noble pear belongs to any
variety, the Beurre Diel unquestionably deserves
that appellation. It is a noble fruit, in every
sense of the word. Of the very largest size, —
of handsome form, — with a deep yellow sldn, —
a perfectly melting flesh and luscious flavor, — and
ripening late in the season, when there are but
few good pears, it must be considered one of the
veiy best which has been added to our collections.
The Beurre Diel was one of the early seedlings
of Dr. Van Mons, and was raised as long ago as 1805. He first sent
scions of it to the London Horticultural Society, in 1817, in whose gar-
den it soon after produced fruit ; and it was first sent to this country by
Mr. Knight, in his liberal donation of scions, — through the Hon. John
Lowell, — to the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, in 1823. It was
named in honor of Dr. Augustus Frederick Adrian Diel, one of the most
distinguished German pomological writers.
The Beurre Diel, in addition to the high qualities of its fruit, is one
of the most vigorous and beautiful growing pear trees, conspicuous for
its large, deep green, glossy leaves, and smooth, clean bark, and is val-
uable as an ornamental tree. It grows very freely upon the quince, and
soon acquires a good size, producing abundant crops.
Teee. — ^Very vigorous, with the lateral shoots horizontal, and often
curved when young, but, as it becomes older, assuming an upright and
tolerably regular form ; annual wood long and remarkably stout.
Wood. — Grayish brown, with large, oblong, grayish specks, strong,
and moderately long-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, medium
[77]
BEURRE' DIEL PEAR.
size, broad, rather sharply pomted, erect, the ends curved mward, with
prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, ovate.
Leaves. — Large, roundish ovate, largest about the middle, shortly
pointed, nearly flat, thick, dark green, finely and irregularly serrated ;
petioles, medium length, about one and a quarter inches long, stout.
Flowers. — Large, petals round, cupped, with a rather short claw.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and three in di-
ameter : Form, obovate, slightly irregular, large about the middle, full
at the crown, and tapering to an obtuse point at the stem : Skin, slightly
rough, uneven, dull green, becoming bright yellow when mature, occa-
sionally russeted in irregnilar patches, and sprinkled with prominent
russet specks : Stem, rather long, about one and a half inches in
length, stout, curved, and deeply inserted in a contracted cavity : Eye,
medium size, open, and considerably depressed in a ridged basin ; seg-
ments of the calyx long, narrow and projecting : Flesh, yellowish white,
coarse, slightly gritty at the core, buttery, melting and juicy : Flavor,
rich, sugary, highly perfumed and delicious : Core, medium size : Seeds,
medium size, dark brown.
Ripe in November and December, and keeps till January.
TEE SAINT AiXDPxE PEAH^
Jn±Tfs of AmPTrcR , TTate ?f°
DratirafroTTi Jlaiirre S CJirowo lilfi* 1)t "^^^ oKarp
THE SAINT ANDREW PEAR.
Saint Andre''. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xii. p. 297.
The Saint Andre is one of the finest autumn pears,
recently introduced. It resembles, in its melting flesh
and rich flavor, the Belle Lucrative, and is nearly, or
quite, equal to that variety, which is admitted to stand
at the head of our early autumn pears. The fruit is
unusually fair, of good size, comes to maturity imme-
diatly after the Wilhams's Bon Chretien, (or Bartlett,)
and is in eating three or four weeks.
For its introduction to American collections, we are
indebted to the late Mr. R. Manning, of Salem. He
received scions of the Saint Andre, with some other sorts, from the
Messrs. Baumann, of Bollwiller, France, in 1834 or 1835, at the same
time he obtained the Rostiezer, which we have already described. It
first fruited in his collection in 1841, and he briefly noticed it in the
Magazim of Horticulture, for 1842, (vol. viii. p. 58;) and subsequently,
we fully described and figured it in the same work, as above quoted.
From the Pomological Garden, scions have been disseminated, and,
for four or five years, it has fruited in several amateur collections, fully
maintaining its high character.
Of its origin, we have no information. Until within a few years, its
name has been confined to the Catalogue of Messrs. Baumann, and we
have not succeeded in finding any account of it, by pomological writers,
previous to that of Mr. Manning. It is probably a seedhng, produced
by some of the Flemish cultivators, and introduced into their collection.
The tree is of vigorous and healthy growth, of upright habit, regular
in form, and the foliage is conspicuously large, glossy and handsome.
The wood, as it acquires age, has a somewhat cracked and rough ap-
pearance, similar to the Van Mons Leon le Clerc, though in a much
less degree. It possesses the desirable characteristics of coming early
into bearing, growing freely either upon the quince or pear stock, and of
producing abundant crops. The shape of the tree and color of the
wood somewhat resemble the Seckel ; and we have received a number of
trees from France, for the latter variety, which have proved to be the
Saint Andi'e ; but whether this error is general, we have no opportunity
of knowing.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, and regular in form, the lateral shoots
maldng a gentle curve upward ; annual wood moderately stout. Young
trees in the nursery branch near the ground.
[79]
SAINT ANDRE' PEAR.
Wood. — Clear reddish brown, dotted with small grayish specks, mod-
erately stout, and rather short-jointed ; old wood, olive brown ; buds,
medium size, long, rounded, rather sharply pointed, diverging, with mod-
erately large shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, obovate, with rather
loose scales.
Leaves. — Large, oblong obovate, broadest near the base, tapering to
the point, nearly flat, smooth, deep glossy green, and quite entire on
the edge ; petioles long, about one and a half inches in length, and
moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals rather short, round and cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long, and two and a lialf in diam-
eter : Form, obovate, full towards the crown, and tapering regularly to
the stem: Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish green, becoming paler when
mature, finely spotted or marbled with dull red on the sunny side, and
dotted with dark green and russet specks : Stem, medium length, about
one inch long, moderately stout, curved, somewhat oblique, often swollen
and fleshy where it adjoins the fruit : Eye, medium size, open, and little
depressed in a very shallow basin ; segments of the calyx short, round :
Flesh, greenish white, fine, buttery, melting and juicy : Flavor, rich,
sprightly and vinous, with a peculiarly delicious aroma : Core, small :
Seeds, medium size, very pointed, light brown.
Ripe in September and October, and keeps some time.
1801
THE GOES GOILEF DPlOP FUIR
Trnxts of Amerce i, J^late ¥"
Drawn frcuL jrahirt; S Cijoxao ixli"^ IH' V^'jSi.irr'
THE COE'S GOLDEN DROP PLUM.
Goes Golden Drop. Hort. See. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Coe's, Pomological Magazine, vol. ii. p. 57.
Coe's Imperial, \
Golden Drop,
New Golden Drop, ^-. ^ ^ . , „. t^, .^,^
„ ,, y Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
13uRY Seedling, °
Fair's Golden Drop,
Golden Gage, /
King of Plums, of some Collections.
Waterloo, of some French Collections.
Coe's Golden Drop is one of the most de-
licious of all plums. Nearly approaching the
Washington in size, — equalling the Green Gage
in the lusciousness of its juice, — and coming in
some time after both of these varieties are gone,
it may be justly ranked as one of the best kinds
yet produced, and indispensable to even the very
smallest collection of plums.
Coe's Golden Drop was raised from seed, up-
wards of forty years ago, by Mr. Jervase Coe, a
market-gardener, at Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk, near London. It
originated from a stone of the Green Gage, the blossoms of which, Mr.
Coe supposed, had been fertilized by the White Magnum Bonum ; the
two trees of which grew nearly in contact with each other in his garden.
The great resemblance of the Golden Drop, in size and color, to one
parent, and the near approach, in its high flavor, to the other, would
seem to favor this supposition. The superiority of this plum made it a
great favorite among cultivators, and it soon became generally introduced
into all choice collections of this fruit, under the several synonymes
which we have quoted above, with the exception of the last, which is of
recent addition to the list. This name originated, we beheve, among
the French nurserymen, and trees, received from France as the Water-
loo, have proved to be the Golden Drop.
An impression has prevailed, that this line plum, on account of its
late maturity, does not succeed well in this country only in the Middle
States. This, however, is not correct ; for, as far as we have any knowl-
edge, it ripens freely, and produces abundantly: in the extreme northern
[81]
COE'S GOLDEN DROP PLUM.
parts of New England it may not, possibly, attain that richness which
it acquires with us, and which constitutes its great excellence.
The trees are of vigorous and rather compact growth, having smooth,
short-jointed, purplish shoots, with very prominent eyes, somewhat like
the Green Gage, and with small, glossy, deep green leaves.
It is a most abundant bearer, and the fruit, which ripens the last of
September and early in October, if carefully gathered, will keep in a
sound state for more than a month, shrivelling slightly, but retaining its
juiciness and fine flavor. Lindley, in his account of it in the Guide to
the Orchard, states that, when the fruit has been wrapped in soft pa-
per, and kept in a dry room, he has eaten it twelve months after being
gathered.
Teee. — Moderately vigorous, diverging in its branches, forming a
stocky, rather compact head ; annual shoots short and strong.
Wood. — Dark purplish brown, with a few paler spots, smooth, short-
jointed ; buds, medium size, roundish, with prominent shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, oval, nearly flat, tapering to the end, rather
sharply serrated, smooth, and of a glossy dark green on the upper side;
petioles short, slightly pubescent, with two globose glands at the base of
the leaf.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals roundish ovate, somewhat imbri-
cated.
Fruit. — ^Large, about two inches long, and one and three quarters in
diameter: Form, oval, largest in the middle, tapering to the apex,
which is slightly depressed, and narrowing to the stem, where it is ab-
ruptly hollowed out ; suture distinct, running half round, one side little
longer than the other: Skin, fair, smooth, golden yellow, somewhat
mottled with pale green under the skin, dotted with a few deep crimson
specks on the sunny side, and covered with a thin whitish bloom : Stem,
medium length, about one inch long, rather slender, and obliquely in-
serted in a small cavity, on a somewhat elongated base: Flesh, pale
yellow, thick, very melting, and firmly adhering to the stone : Juice,
abundant, sugary, sprightly and delicious : Stone, large, verv long, rather
narrow, compressed, and sharp pointed.
Ripe the last of September, and keeps a long time.
[82]
IKK EE2T0NI APPIE
Iruifa otx\meTtr:a, Plate 3"° XiraimfroTiL Kitrrre rSr Chromo hitr.j}'ljVi. Sliai-,
THE BENONI APPLE
Benoni. Kenrick's American Orchardist, 1st Ed. 1833.
The Benoni is a summer apple, of superior quality. It
is not quite so large as the Williams, which ripens about
the same time, — nor has it the prepossessing appearance
of that showy and excellent Tariety, — but it is fully equal
to it in quality. It has a firm and crisp flesh, and a rich,
pleasant, subacid and sprightly flavor, which, combined
with the productiveness of the tree, claim for it a promi-
nent place in every fruit garden or orchard.
The Benoni is a native variety, and was first brought to
the notice of cultivators, about twenty years ago, by Mr.
E. M. Kichards, of Dedham, a zealous amateur, who has devoted much
attention to apples, and introduced several varieties of merit. Mr. Rich-
ards gave a brief account of this apple in the Magazine of Horticulture
for 1835, (vol. i. p. 343.) He there states that it originated in Dedham,
Mass., upwards of twenty-five years ago, where the original tree, we
believe, is still growing, and that it first came into bearing in 1831 or
1832. Its merits soon became known, and, since that time, its cultiva-
tion has gradually extended, until it is now found in many of the best
collections of apples. Mr. Richards has repeatedly shown very fine speci-
mens of the Benoni, and pomologists are indebted to him for his endeavors
to bring this and other native seedlings into more general cultivation.
The tree has a peculiarly erect and handsome habit, — greatly resem-
bling in this respect the Northern Spy, — and, if left to itself, forming a
perfect pyramid, with its annual branches shooting up to the height of
four or five feet. The foliage is also of a deep green, and a small tree,
loaded with its bright red fruit, is, at all times, a fine object. Mr.
Richards states that " it bears almost to a fault every second year." It
comes into fruit rather earlier than most varieties, and we have seen young
trees standing in the nursery rows, not more than six or eight feet high,
bearing several of its handsome apples. As a dwarf, on its own stock,
it is especially desirable ; the trees branch low, and, from then* naturally
compact form, are easier kept within a convenient size than many
other varieties.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, with an erect and upright habit, the
branches ascending at an acute angle with the main stem, and forming,
when fully gi'own, a handsome round head.
188]
BENONI APPLE.
Wood. — Dull reddish chestnut, thickly dotted with round russet
specks, moderately strong, and very short-jointed; ends of the annual
shoots somewhat downy ; old wood, dull olive brown ; buds, small, short,
broad, flattened, with rather prominent shoulders, somewhat woolly :
Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong-oval, largest in the middle, narrowing
to the base, terminating rather abruptly in a point at the apex, deep
green, somewhat wavy, and regularly serrated; petioles medium length,
about three quarters of an inch long, and moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size, cujDped, and tinged with blush.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches broad, and two
and a half deep : Form, roundish, narrowing towards the crown, which
is angular: Skin, fair, smooth, with a deep yellow or orange ground,
nearly covered with red, distinctly striped with dark crimson, and cov-
ered with scattered, whitish specks : Stem, very short, scarcely half an
inch in length, slender, and deeply inserted in a rather contracted cavity :
Eye, rather large, partially open, and considerably sunk in a deep, open,
furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx medium length : Flesh, yellow,
fine, crisp and tender: Juice, abundant, rich, vinous, high flavored and
excellent : Core, medium size, rather close : Seeds, medium size, pale
brown.
Ripe in August and September, and keeps well.
[84 I
HIACK J'lACLE CHLiRJ^Y,
Fniils nl'Ameri(;,j PIjIc U"
Di.iun (luin N.iliiip F. Ghmmo Lith-^hyW Rharp.
THE BLACK EAGLE CHERRY.
Black Eagle. Horticultural Transactions, vol. ii. pi. 9.
The Black Eagle is one of the finest cherries in cultivation. It
ripens soon after the May Duke, about the same time as the Old Black
Heart, and is surpassed by no other variety of its season. The fruit is
of good size, with a veiy tender flesh, and a peculiarly rich and luscious
flavor. The tree is a good, without being an over-abundant, bearer, and
the fruit is less liable to injury from heavy rains than many other kinds.
Two difierent accounts are given of the origin of the Black Eagle.
In the Horticultural Transactions, as above quoted, where it was first
figured, it is stated to have been produced by Sir Thomas Andrew
Knight ; but in a subsequent notice of this cherry, in the same work,
(vol. viii. p. 258,) as well as in Lindley's Guide to the Orchard, its pro-
duction is ascribed to Miss Elizabeth Knight. It is, however, of no
material consequence whether it was raised by the father or daughter, so
long as it originated at Downton Castle, the residence of Mr. Knight.
And to him the horticultural world is indebted for its introduction, as
well as for several other seedlings of the most superior quality, at the
head of which may be named the Elton.
The Black Eagle was raised in 1806, from the seed of the Ambree, of
Duhamel, impregnated with the pollen of the May Duke ; and, as the
authors of the Pomological Magazine truly remark, " it really combines
all that is worth raising in both these varieties."
Mr. Knight sent the Black Eagle, with other fruits, to the Hon. John
Lowell, in 1823 ; but though introduced so long since, it has not yet
found its way into very general cultivation. Its merits, however, are so
great, that no collection can be considered complete without it.
Tree. — ^Vigorous, of an erect and spreading habit, similar to the old
Bigarreau, and with rather stout annual shoots.
Wood. — Strong, short-jointed, dark brown, partially covered with a
grayish epidermis ; buds, large, full, short, erect.
Leaves. — Large, oblong, broadest above the middle, acuminate, thick,
wavy on the mai'gin, deep green, doubly, but not very deeply, ser-
rated, and slightly pendulous ; petioles, rather long, about one and a half
inches in length, moderately stout, with reniform glands.
Flowers. — ^Medium size ; petals roundish oval, cupped and imbri-
cated ; stamens shorter than the style.
186]
BLACK EAGLE CHERRY.
Fruit. — ^Medium size, about one inch broad, and seven eighths of an
inch long : Form, roundish heart-shaped, flattened at each end, with a
deep suture all round, and a large and distinctly indented point at the
apex : Skin, dark shining red, nearly black when fully mature : Stem,
medium length, about one and a quarter inches long, stout, and inserted
in a moderately deep open cavity : Flesh, dark purplish red, shghtly
firm and very tender : Juice, abundant, rich and high flavored : Stone,
roundish, rather small.
EiPE from the first to the middle of July.
[86]
WAt^lMNCTON PMI
I'Viiil.-; ol' A.iii(!i-ic;j, Pl.iU: N"
Dtmwii i'^' CTironio hilh') by VV. Mhrti-p.
THE WASHINGTON PLUM,
Washingtox. Pomological Magazine, vol. i. pi. 16.
Bolmar's Washington, G-uidt to the Orchard.
BOLMAR, \
New Washington, [Hort. See. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Franklin, -'
Superior Gage, \
Superior Green Gage, of some American collections.
Washington Bolmar, -
The Washington Plum is one of the most re-
markable varieties, and deservedly holds the highest
rank among the numerous sorts which have yet
been produced. Nearly equalling the Green Gage
in its abundant juice and luscious flavor, far sm'-
passing it in size, and greatly excelling it in rich-
ness and beauty, it has, to a great extent, taken
the place of that old and superior plum. The tree
is also of the most vigorous habit among plums,
with a large, broad, glossy and luxuriant fohage,
quite unhke any previously known sort, and at once distinguishable
from all others.
The histoiy of the Washington is very generally known, though its
origin is involved in some obscurity. Mr. Floy, in the American edi-
tion of Lindley's Guide to the Orchard, states that it sprang from the
root of a grafted tree of the Green Gage, growing near the Boweiy in
New York. This tree was destroyed by hghtning below the gi^aft ; a
few suckers came up from the root, and these were sold in the New
York market. Mr. Bolmar was the purchaser of two of them : this
was in 1814; and in 1818, when his trees came into bearing, he re-
quested Mr. Floy to call and see them; this he did, and the beauty of
their foHage, as well as the immense size of the fruit, surprised him.
Mr. Bolmar gave him buds, from which he propagated the variety, and
disseminated the trees from his nursery ; he also had a drawing made
of the fruit at that time.
The late Wm. Prince also gives an account of it in the Pomological
Manual, (vol. ii. p. 53,) where he states that the variety was well
known around Flushing, about the year 1824, at which period there
were several trees of " the thickness of a man's thigh," and that it was
cultivated for a long time under the name of the Superior Gage. He
WASHINGTON PLUM.
was unable to trace it any farther than Flushmg, and he had strong
evidence that it was one of the numerous seedhngs which his father
raised, about the year 1790, from the Green Gage, when the Imperial
Gage, Eed Gage, and other fine varieties, were originated from the
same lot of seed.
The Washington was introduced into the garden of Kobert Barclay,
Esq., of Buiy Hill, near London, in 1819 ; and in 1821, the late Dr
David Hosack, of New York, presented several trees to the London
Horticultural Society, in whose garden it soon fruited, and, from its
immense size and superior qualities, attracted unusual attention.
The trees, from their vigorous habit, soon form fine heads, making
remarkably strong annual shoots ; they are rather tardy in coming into
bearing, but when they commence fruiting they produce abundant crops.
Teee. — ^Very vigorous and erect, often throwing out its branches,
when young, at right angles with the main stem. Our vignette repre-
sents a young tree two years from the bud or graft.
"Wood. — Pale grayish brown, stout, moderately long-jointed, and,
when young, slightly pubescent ; buds, rather small, flattened, shortly
pointed, with moderately prominent shoulders.
Leaves. — Very large, roundish oblong, bright glossy green, moderately
thick, wavy, obtusely and not very deeply serrated ; petioles, medium
length, about half an inch long, moderately stout, slightly pubescent.
Flowees. — ^Very large ; petals roundish, cupped ; style rather longer
than the stamens.
Feuit. — Large, about two and a quarter inches long, and two and an
eighth of an inch in diameter : Form, roundish oval, largest in the mid-
dle, and tapering roundly to each end, with a shallow suture extending
half round, deepest near the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, dull yellow,
inchning to orange in well-grown specimens, dotted and marbled with
crimson on the sunny side, and covered with a thin lilac bloom : Stem,
medium length, about three quarters of an inch long, moderately stout,
httle pubescent, and inserted in a shallow cavity : Flesh, yellow, rather
firm and melting, separating freely from the stone : juice abundant, rich,
sugary, sprightly and luscious : Stone, medium size, oval, acute at each
end, deeply furrowed, and nearly even at the edges.
Ripe the last of August and beginning of September.
[88]
HEAl'H(.:f)'i'h: :MK,Ali
Frinb: ul AmerLCd , I'Late N"
Di'iiwii from Raturi' <i I'liromo ,L((}|*/ \ij W. 'Miiirp
THE HEATHCOT PEAR,
Heathcot. Neiv England Fanner, vol. vii. p. 82.
Gore's Heathcot, Prince's Pom. Manual, vol. i.
The Heathcot was one of the earhest Ameri-
can pears which was brought to notice. At the
period of its introduction only two or three va-
rieties were admitted by pomologists to be wor-
thy of general cultivation. The late Hon. John
Lowell, in 1828, stated, that, " although it was
thirty-three years since he had turned his atten-
tion to horticulture, he was not able to recollect
any valuable table pear, the evidence of whose
origin in this country was deemed unquestiona-
ble, except the Seckel, the Johonnot, the Lewis,
and the Heathcot." From this, it will be seen how few were the fine
native pears which we possessed twenty years ago. But Mr. Lowell's
remarks, though nearly correct when written, have no application now.
Had we space, we should like to make an enumeration of the choice
native pears, at present known, for comparison with the list of 1828.
Every intelligent cultivator will, however, supply the information him-
self; and he must feel that we have done more, in this short space
of time, in adding to the list of fine varieties, than all the cultivators
of Europe, excepting Van Mons, during the present century.
The Heathcot was raised in 1812, in the garden of the late Hon,
Christopher Gore, in Waltham, Mass., and was so named in honor of
the gardener who planted the seed. It first fruited in 1824, and con-
tinued to bear a uniform crop up to 1828, when it was brought to the
notice of cultivators by the late Capt. Jonathan Winship of Brighton.
In 1830, specimens were exhibited from the original tree, which weighed
upwards of eight ounces each. Since that time the variety has become
much disseminated, though it is by no means very generally cultivated.
The tree is a healthy and moderately vigorous grower, of upright
habit, making a great number of short, slender branches, which, unless
judiciously thinned out, form a thick and bushy head. The lateral
branches diverge in a very regular manner. It is rather slow in coming
into bearing, but produces a uniform crop every yeai'. It does not
grow freely on the quince,
Teee, — ^Moderately vigorous, upright, and tolerably regular in form,
the branches making a slight curve upwards ; annual wood rather slen-
der. Young trees in the nursery branch very near the ground.
[89]
HEATHCOT PEAR.
Wood. — Reddish brown, dotted with small whitish specks, rather
slender and short-jointed; old wood pale grayish brown; buds, large,
short, full, erect, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Small, oblong ovate, broadest about the middle, narrowing
to the base, tapering regularly to the point, recurved on the midrib,
folded inwards, thickly nerved, dark green, and distinctly, but not deeply,
serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one and a half inches long
and rather slender.
Flowees. — Rather small ; petals oblong, somewhat cupped.
Feuit. — Medium size, about three inches long, and nearly three in
diameter : Form, obovate, tapering roundly to an obtuse point at the
stem : Skin, greenish yellow, becoming lemon yellow when mature,
more or less clouded, and interlaced with russet, particularly around the
eye and stem, and shghtly browned on the sunny side : Stem, medium
length, about three quarters of an inch . long, rather stout, somewhat
knobby, dull brown, curved, and obliquely inserted in a small, round,
moderately deep cavity, highest on one side: Eye, small, closed, and
slightly depressed, in a smallj uneven, ridged, basin; segments of the
calyx short, thick and fleshy : Flesh, yellowish white, :ftne, very melt-
ing, butteiy and juicy : Flavor, rich, sprightly,, vinous and excellent,
with a slight perfume : Core, rather large: Seeds, large, peculiarly
pointed at the obtuse end, dark brown.
Ripe in October and keeps well for some time.
r 901
T^IJCHE.S^^ OK OBLF,At[J:i PKAH.
l''nii(;.s i)('Arn.R|-|(fij"(ijl(: H°
Drawn '& CUronio l.ill'' hy W. iS/irii'i),
THE DUCHESS OF ORLEANS PEAR.
Duchess of Oeleans. Kemick's American Orchardist, 7tli Ed. 1841.
Among the new peai's of French or Flemish origin,
which have been recently introduced, the Duchess of
Orleans holds a high rank. It is but a few years
since Mr. Wilham Kenrick, on his return from Eu-
rope, brought with him a few scions of this variety,
which he procured in Paris. A portion of these
were, with his usual hberahty, given to the late
Robert Manning, of Salem, in whose pomological
garden it first fruited about six years, ago. Its beau-
tiful appearance and superior quahty at once com-
mended it to notice, and successive trials have fully
estabHshed its claim to a place among our finest pears.
The origin of the Duchess of Orleans is unknown. Mr. Kenrick
briefly described it in the American Orchardist, and gave as his authority
M. Oudin, a French nm'seryman of high reputation. He merely adds,
that it had " lately been received from Normandy," the most favorable
locahty in France for fine pears. Undoubtedly it is the production of
some of the French nurserymen, or amateur cultivators, who are con-
stantly raising new seedlings, which are introduced to cultivation with-
out any other knowledge of their merits than the recommendation of
those who produced them from seed.
The Duchess of Orleans is a peculiarly prepossessing fruit. In form
it is veiy regular, pyramidal, and the skin, which is of a fine rich
yellow, when mature, is beautifully mottled with golden russet, often so
profusely as to cover the whole fruit. It comes into eating at a good
season, just after the Williams's Bon Chretien or Bartlett, and keeps
better than most autumn pears.
The trees are tolerably vigorous gi-owers, with a somewhat pecuUar,
upright habit; the branches are long, cm-ved or wa^7, with the ends
inchned towards the main stem. It is rather late in coming into bear-
ing, being generally the fifth or sixth year. It does not grow freely on
the quince.
Teee. — Moderately vigorous, upright, somewhat irregular, with the
branches cmwed inwards ; annual shoots long and rather slender.
Wood. — ^Yellomsh olive, rather thickly dotted with oblong, gi^ayish
white specks, rather slender, and long-jointed ; old wood brownish
ohve ; buds, small, slender, shai-ply pointed, diverging, with moderately
prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size.
[91]
DUCHESS OF ORLEANS PEAR.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong ovate, largest about the middle, nar-
rowing most to the point, which is shortly acuminate, nearly flat, yellow-
ish green, and obtusely serrated ; petioles, rather long, about one and
a quarter inches in length, moderately stout, often curved or wavy.
Flowers. — Large ; petals oblong, somewhat cupped ; claw long.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long and two and a
half in diameter: Form, regular, pyramidal, full at the crown, little
contracted about the middle, and tapering to the stem : Skin, slightly
rough, light yellow, mottled with golden russet in the shade, thinly
marked with red in the sun, and sparsely covered with small russet
specks : Stem, long, about one and a quarter inches in length, rather
stout, swollen at the end adjoining the branch, straight, and obliquely
inserted in a fleshy base, without any cavity : Eye, medium size, open,
and scarcely depressed ; segments of the calyx short, projecting : Flesh,
yellowish, fine, buttery, melting and juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary and
delicious, with a pleasant musky aroma : Core, medium size : Seeds,
medium size, rather long, dark brown.
Ripe in October, and keeps three or four weeks.
[92]
imn
TJIE EAELY PURPLE GlIIGL^E CHEERY
Pi-ufls oFAinevccdPlate 1(9
Di-awn froTaJJahire 8 ChroTriolith'? "by "W" Sharp.
THE EARLY PURPLE GUIGNE CHERRY.
Early Pueple Guigne. Horticultural 'Transactions, vol. viii. pi. 4.
Early Purple Griotte, Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
It is somewhat surprising that a cherry, possessing such valuable
qualities as the Early Purple Guigne, should not have become much
better known, and far more extensively cultivated in American collections.
It was introduced into the garden of the London Horticultural Society
in 1822, and in 1830 a full account of it, by Mr. R. Thompson, was
published in its Transactions, accompanied with a beautiful colored figure
of the fruit. As the history of so fine a variety will be interesting to
every pomologist, we copy the following from Mr. Thompson's account :
" This variety is probably of recent origin on the continent, and its
early introduction to this country by the Horticultural Society was en-
tirely accidental, it having been received in a collection from M. De
Candolle, of Geneva, in 1822, under the name of the Griotte de Chaux,
which is a late cherry, of the nature of a Morello. This being the
case, and its foreign name not having been found, it was temporarily
called, in the garden, the Early Purple Griotte, under which name it has
since been distributed.
Writers are much divided, on the continent, with regard to those
principal divisions of cherries of which the Griottiers form one, and
among which the sort for which this was sent ought to have ranked,
but with which it clearly does not agree. The Griottiers were formerly
written Agriottiers, probably from the sharpness of their juice, — a
quahty which prevails more or less in all of them. The Morello tribe
is included in that division, along with other slender wooded varieties,
in all of which the petioles of the leaves are short and erect, compared
with those of other kinds of cherries.
In none of these peculiarities does the Early Purple Guigne accord
with the Griotte tribe. Its habit is very different ; the petioles of its
leaves, instead of being short, are remarkably long and slender, and
consequently the leaves are drooping. But with another division,
called by the French Guigniers, a very different tribe from our northern
Geans, it agrees in every respect.
That this sort is highly deserving of cultivation, being the earliest
yet known, will appear best by comparing it with the May Duke and
Early May, grown in similar situations ; the former is quite green, the
latter is barely ripe when this is in full perfection. It may be said
to be about a fortnight earlier than the May Duke, and to be fully equal
to it in quality."
EARLY PURPLE GUIGNE CHERRY.
It is a little singular that the origin of two of the earliest cherries
we have should be involved in so much obscurity, and quite as remark-
able that both should have been received from the nursery of the
Messrs. Baumann, of Bollwiller. These two are the Early Purple
Guigne and the May Bigarreau. A reference to our account of the
latter, which we have already figured, (pi. 26,) will show that it came
from Messrs. Baumann, without name, under nearly the same circum-
stances as the Early Purple Guigne, and it yet appears to be almost or
quite unknown to English cultivators.
When our description of the May Bigarreau was written, we had not
fruited the Early Purple Guigne, and we made the remark, that unless
the latter proved to be " remarkably early, the May Bigarreau may be
safely set down as, at least, a fortnight earlier than any other variety."
The experience, however, of two years has given us an opportunity to
judge fully of the merits of this cherry, and we can now state that it is
even earlier than the May Bigarreau, and also a larger, more beautiful,
and richer fruit. The trees are moderately vigorous, forming a some-
what loose and spreading head, and good bearers. No collection should
be without this fine early cherry.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright; branches, somewhat irregular
and spreading.
Wood. — Moderately strong, short-jointed, dark brown, partially cov-
ered with a silvery epidermis ; old wood, sprinkled with large horizontal
whitish specks ; buds, rather large, oblong-ovate, diverging, with promi-
nent shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong, drooping, wavy on the margin, often
incurved, irregularly and coarsely serrated ; veins, small beneath ; peti-
oles long, nearly two inches in length, slender, dark red, with large
reniform glands, generally two, but occasionally more.
Flowers. — Large, opening early; petals, oblong oval; stamens, longer
than the style.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three quarters of an inch long, and
seven eighths of an inch in diameter, roundish heart-shaped, broad at
the base, narrowing to the apex, somewhat compressed, with an indis-
tinct suture, and a large indented point : Skin, dark red, becoming of a
rich, glossy, purplish black when fully ripe : Stem, very long, about two
inches in length, slender, and moderately inserted in a rather shallow
cavity : Flesh, deep purplish red, tender, juicy, rich, sweet and excellent:
Stone, medium size, roundish.
Ripe the last of May and the beginning of June.
[94]
THE TKOMAS VLUK.
FrufLv of Ainerica , PfatF; N'
Dfawn from JVahirf; I'i. Cfiromo /,rlli<' 5yW. iSFiarp
THE THOMAS PLUM.
Thomas. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. vii. p. 388.
The Thomas, though not to be placed in the same rank with the
Washington, Imperial Gage, Jefferson, and some other American plums,
possesses, however, a combination of qualities which render it a vei-y
desirable variety. It is nearly as large as the Washington, and full as
beautiful as that plum, ripens its fruit late in the season, and has the
excellent property of hanging upon the tree, without rotting, a much
longer time than any of the large sized kinds. The trees are also
exceedingly vigorous growers, come into bearing rather early, and pro-
duce abundant crops.
In general appearance the Thomas resembles the Sharpe's Emperor,
an English plum, having the same salmon-colored skin, beautifully
shaded with pale violet, and overspread with a thin lilac bloom. This,
together with its vigor, hardness, late ripening and general good quahty,
render the Thomas a variety well deserving a place in all but the most
Hmited collections of this fruit.
The Thomas originated in Boston, in the garden of William Thomas.
The tree sprang up, near the house, from a stone supposed to have
been accidentally dropped from the window. It first came into bearing
in 1839 or 1840, when the tree was only six or seven years old. In
1841, Mr. Thomas exhibited some beautiful specimens of the fruit
before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, who named it in honor'
of the originator. Its size and handsome appearance attracted general
admiration, and its quality was so good that the second premium was
awarded to Mr. Thomas for his fine specimens.
From scions kindly furnished us by Mr. Thomas, we budded several
trees, and the last two or three years they have borne fine crops. The
past season the plums were unusually beautiful, and hung in clusters
on the branches until the latter part of September, when they were
gathered. But very few rotted upon the tree, though the autumn was
more than usually unfavorable to the keeping of the fruit ; and this we
deem one of its best characteristics. For a large collection it is an
excellent plum.
Tkee. — ^Vigorous, upright, with diverging branches, making a regu-
lar, well-shaped head ; annual shoots, strong.
Wood. — Dark brown, sprinkled with whitish specks, partially covered
with a grayish epidermis, nearly smooth and rather short-jointed ; buds,
small, short, erect, with rather prominent shoulders.
[95]
THOMAS PLUM.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish oval, dai-k green, strongly veined
beneath, irregiilai-ly and rather deeply serrated ; petioles, medium length,
about half an inch long, moderately stout, ^\^lth two globose glands at
the base of the leaf.
Flowees. — ^Medium size ; style and stamens about equal.
Feuit. — Large, about two inches long and one and three quarters of
an inch in diameter : Form, roundish oblong, flattened at the apex,
with a shallow suture, one half larger than the other : Skin, deep
amber colored, beautifully mottled and shaded with bright red on the
sunny side neai* the point, profusely sprinkled with white dots, and cov-
ered with a thin whitish or pale lilac bloom : Stem, medium length,
about half an inch long, rather stout, and deeply inserted in a con-
tracted cavity : Flesh, deep yellow, half melting, and freely separating
from the stone : Juice, tolerably abundant, sweet and pleasantly flavored :
Stone, rather large, roundish ovate, thick, and light colored.
Ripe from the middle to the last of September.
[96]
THE AKDHEWiS PEAR.
Fruits of America, I*[ate,N"°
DrawTifroniKdture &- Chronio ht¥ bvW.Sharp
THE ANDREWS PEAR.
Andrews. New England Farmer, vol. vii. (1829,) p. 266.
' > of some American Collections.
Gibson, )
The Andrews is, unquestionably, one of the finest
American pears yet produced. It has everj-where,
and under all ciiTumstances, so far as our knowledge
extends, proved to be a hai'dy, productive and supe-
rior variety. In appeai'ance, it is less prepossessing
and showy than the Wilhams's Bon Chretien (Bart-
lett) or the Golden BeiuTe of Bilboa, which ripen at
the same time ; but in its ver}' melting flesh, and the
pecidiarly rich cinnamon ai'oma of its abundant juice,
surpasses either of them, and is second to no other
pear of its season.
The history of the Andrews, though tolerably weU authenticated, is,
however, to be received with some doubt. Tlie first account of it was
pubhshed in the X. E. Farmer, by ^Ir. Samuel Downer, who introduced
it to the notice of cultivators soon after the organization of the Massa-
chusetts Horticultural Society, in 1829. Mr. DoMiier states that it
originated in Dorchester, and that the original ti'ee was pm-chased about
sixty years ago by Mr. John Andrews, of Boston, who removed it to
his garden in Court Street, where it continued to beai- fi'uit for several
yeai's ; but from some cause, either its locality or from neglect, it disap-
peared more than thuly years ago.
The only doubt respecting its origin, as above stated, is, that in Som-
eiwille, Mass., there is now growing, in full ^*igor, and bearing a large
annual crop, a fine large tree of the Andrews. Where the scions came
from is unknown ; the only infonnation the present owner of the tree
can give, is, that his father gi'afted it when he was a little boy, upwards
of sixtij years ago. As the age of this tree is as great as that claimed
for the one purchased by Mr. Andi'ews, it remains a question whether
the latter was the original one, or whether it was gi'afted from the
same unknown source fi'om which the one in Somerville was obtained.
Of its native origin, however, there can be no doubt.
The Andrews is a slow gi'owing and moderately vigorous tree, bear-
ing so profusely that it makes very little wood. It comes into beaiing
rather early, and is another of the many American peai'S which does not
gi'ow freely on the quince.
L971
ANDREWS PEAR.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, little irregular, making very
slender wood while young, but becoming stronger as it advances in age.
Wood. — Dark reddish brown, dotted with small white specks, rather
slender and short-jointed ; annual shoots, short; old wood, dull brown ;
buds, medium size, roundish ovate, full, diverging, with rather promi-
nent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Small, oblong ovate, dull green, shortly pointed, rather
coarsely nerved, wavy on the margin, and finely serrated ; petioles, long,
nearly two inches in length, very slender.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long and two and three quarter
inches in diameter: Form, obovate, pyramidal, slightly irregular, one
side being a little larger than the other, full at the base, and tapering
to the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish green, tinged with brownish
red on the sunny side, and dotted with a few scattered russet specks :
Stem, medium length, about three quarters of an inch long, rather
stout, curved, twisted and obliquely inserted without any cavity, usually
with a projection on one side : Eye, medium size, open, and deeply
sunk in a round basin ; segments of the calyx medium length : Flesh,
yellowish white, fine, melting and very juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary and
refreshing, with a peculiarly delicious aroma: Core, medium size : Seeds,
lai'ge, very long, hght broTvu.
KiPE in September and keeps three or four weeks.
[98]
TEE GOLDEN BETJM OE BILEOA PEAE.,
Pi-ulls of ATnPT'ica.,PTcttb' M'.
Drawn froni J^Taliivp & CKromo j.ifh'.' hv'^K'. ^'ha^p.
THE GOLDEN BEURRE^ OF BILBOA.
loLDEN Beuree'' OF BiLBOA. Keiiiick's American Orchardist.
Golden Beurre', of some English Collections.
Hooper's Bilboa, of some American Collections.
Few of our eai'ly autumn pears have a more
prepossessing appearance than the Golden Beurre
of Bilboa. Its skin is unusually smooth and fair,
and its golden yellow hue, so indicative of its name,
is made yet the more rich in contrast with the
/ deep blotch of cinnamon russet which encircles its
stem, and whose outer line is lost in the dehcate
tracings and dottings which radiate from it. But
the great beauty of the Golden Beurre of Bilboa,
as with some pears, is not its only merit. Inde-
pendent of this it is really a most excellent fruit, having a fine melting
flesh, a vinous juice, and a pleasant flavor; add to these a vigorous and
handsome growing tree, producing abundant crops, and a fair estimate
may be formed of this desirable pear.
The Golden Beurre of Bilboa was first introduced into American
collections by Mr. J. Hooper, of Marblehead, who imported the tree
from Bilboa, in Spain, in 1821 ; and in October, 1831, specimens of the
fruit were first exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.
Mr. Manning, wlio introduced it into his collection, thought it might
probably be detected among the future importations from Europe ; but
neither in the immense number of varieties cultivated by Mr. Manning,
nor in any other collection, up to this time, a period of twenty years,
has a similar variety yet been seen, showing conclusively that it must
have originated in the country from whence it was received.
Some few years ago we received several new varieties of pears from
an Enghsh collection, and among them was a Golden Beurre. We
supposed it to be some entirely new kind, as no such pear has been
described by any European pomologist. The wood appeared familiar,
though we did not then think of identifying it as a synonym e. We
have since ascertained that scions of the Golden Beurre of Bilboa
were sent to England, some years ago, by Mr. W. Kenrick. This at
once explained the history of the Golden Beurre, and we doubt not,
hereaftei-, it wiU be often received from abroad as a new pear.
The tree is a vigorous and healthy grower, with a fine habit, making
a symmetrical head. It does not come into bearing veiy early, nor
does it succeed verv well upon the quince.
[991
GOLDEN BEURRE' OF BILBOA.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright and regular in form, with the branches
shghtly horizontal at first, but gently curving upwards at the ends ; an-
nual shoots rather long, tapering but little to the ends.
"WTooD. — Clear yellowish brown, dotted with small whitish specks,
moderately stout and rather short-jointed ; old wood, reddish brown ;
buds, medium size, oblong ovate, erect, with rather prominent shoul-
ders : Flower-buds, medium size, ovate.
Leaves. — Large, roundish ovate, largest near the base, tapering to
the point, thick, hght green, glossy, with prominent nerves, shghtly
recurved on the midrib, nearly flat, and deeply, regularly and sharply
serrated ; petioles, rather short, about three quarters of an inch long,
moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, oval ; claw, rather short.
Fruit. — Size large, nearly three inches long and two and a half in
diameter : Form, obovate, largest about one third from the eye, and
tapering in a swollen manner to the stem : Skin, very fair, smooth, pale
yellow when mature, with a large blotch of smooth russet encircling
the stem, regularly dotted with russet specks, and occasionally having a
faint tinge of blush on the sunny side : Stem, long, about one a half
inches in length, uneven, rather slender, and obliquely inserted in a
small cavity, with a shght projection on one side : Eye, medium size,
closed, and moderately sunk in a round basin ; segments of the calyx
long and narrow : Flesh, yellowish white, fine, melting, buttery and
juicy : Flavor, sprightly, refreshing, vinous and excellent : Core, small :
Seeds, medium size, nearly black.
Ripe the last of September, and keeps well for two or three weeks.
[100]
THE
FRUITS OF AMERICA
CONTAINING
RICHLY COLORED FIGURES,
.full leffrriptinnH nf nil tlie rjinirest f urieties rnltinato
BY C. M. HOVEY, .
EDITOR OF THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE:
COBEESPOJJDING MEMBER OP THE CINCINNATI HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, OHIO J OF THE CLEAVELAND HORTICULTtmAI,
gOClETT, ETC. ; AND HONORART MEMBER OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES OF NEW HAVEN, CONN. ; PITTSBURa, P4. J
ROCHESTER, N. Y. ; STEUBENVILLE, OHIO; BURLINGTON, IOWA; COLUMBUS, OHIO; NEW BEDFORD, MASS . ETC.
TOLUME II.
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY HOVEY AND CO., MERCHANTS ROW.
1856.
Entered according to an act of Congress, in the year 1851 ,
By C. M. HovEY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
HENRY W. DUTTON, PRINTER,
37 Congress Street, Boston.
CONTENTS
O' The Standard names are in Roman letter 5 and the Synonymes in Italics
APPLES.
Burlington Greening 79
Chimney 7
Cogswell 31
Cogswell Pearmain 31
De Neige 7
Dotes or Douse 39
Fameuse 7
Ghrafensteiner 15
Gravenstein 15
Grave Slige 15
Hampshire Greening ; 79
Hawley 39
Horseblock 63
Jersey Greening 79
Ladies' Sweeting- 87
Manomet 63
Minister 95
Pomme de Fameuse 7
Pomme de Neige 7
Rhode Island Greening 79
Sanguineus 7
Snow Apple 7
Tufts 23
Tu/ts' Baldwin 23
CHERRIES.
Hovey 25
Downer 93
Downer's Late 93
Downer's Late Red 93
Downer's Native Mazzard 93
PEACHES.
Coolidge's Favorite 49
Crawford's Late 9
Crawford's Late Malacalune 9
Crawford's Superb Malacatune 9
Crawford's Late Melocoton 9
Cutter's Yellow 59
Jacques 57
Jacques' Rareripe 57
Jacques' Yellow Rareripe 57
Lemon Rar eripe 9
Red and Yellow Rareripe 59
Yellow Red Rareripe 59
PEARS.
Adams 91
A Courte Queue 85
Bartlett 11
Belle et Bonne de Zee 29
Beurre Beaumont 89
Beurre blanc 85
Beurre Clairgeau 73
Beurri d'Albret 65
Beurre de Fontenay 81
Beurre de Lu^on 81
Beurrd du Roi 21
Beurre gris d'hiver 81
Beurre gris d'hiver Nouveau 81
Beurre gris Superieure 81
Beurre Langclier 3
Beurre Le Fevre 89
Beurri Montefortaine 89
Beurri Picquery 21
Beurre Sterckman 43
Bonne d'Ezee 29
Bonne des Haies 29
Bonne des Zees 29
Bonne Ente 85
Bonne Rouge 77
Braddick's Field Marshal 37
Brandywine 51
Brocas Bergamot 77
Buffum 19
Buffam 19
Butter Pear 85
Collins 35
Columbia 17
Columbian Virgoulouse 17
Colmar d'Aremberg 83
D'Albret 65
Deans 85
Diamant 77
Doyenni Blanc 85
IV
Dusnas ' ^
Elizabeth Van Mons 41
Forme de Marie Louise 37
Fulton 27
Gansell's Bergamot Til
Gurle's Beurri "T^
Henkel 53
Howell 75
Hull 5
Ives's Bergamot 77
Kartofel 83
Lawrence 13
Louise d' Orleans 21
Manning's Elizabeth 41
Maria 37
Marie Chretienne 37
Marie Louise 37
New York Red Cheek 33
Fine Pear 85
Flumbgastel • 71
Foire de Limon 85
Foire de Seigneur 85
Poire Neige 85
Princess de Farmi -37
Red-Cheeked Seckle.... 33
Sabine of the Flemings 15
Saint Ghislain 45
Saint Michael Archangel 71
Saint Michael 85
Seckel 33
Seckle 33
Shakspeare 33
Sheldon 61
Snow Pear 85
Staunton • 77
Sycle 33
Triumph de Jodoigne 55
Urbaniste 21
Van Mons 158 41
Virgalieu 85
Watertown 35
William 11
IVilliams' Bon Chretien 11
White Beurri 85
White Doyenne 85
PLUMS.
Brugnon Green Gage 69
Brttyn Gage 69
Damas Ver-t 69
Dauphine 69
Drap d'Or 69
Green Gage 69
Grosse Reine 69
Grosse Reine Claude 69
Isleworth Green Gage 69
Jefferson 1
Mc Laughlin 47
Reine Claude 69
Reine Claude Dorl 69
Sucrin Vert 69
Verte Bonne 69
WilmoVs Green Gage 69
Wilmot's Late Green Gage 69
Wilmot's New Green Gage 69
STRAWBERRIES.
Scott's Seedling 67
THE JEEPERSOIn^ ELIBt.
Fruits nf AiTuericaPlate N°
T),-,,vr: F-for^:At,rr.;,P}vnwny\tl'' h. "W 'SnciPp.
THE JEFFERSON PLUM.
Jefferson. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xi. p. 23.
Few vai'ieties of plums, — certainly none of our American seed-
lings,— have had a higher reputation than the Jefferson. It has been
pronounced nearly or quite equal to the Green Gage, — that almost
unsurpassable standard of excellence, — by some of our pomologists, and
in consequence of such an eulogium in its favor, it has been extensively
sought after, and introduced into many of the finest collections of
this fruit, with the expectation that it would supplant that old and
deservedly popular and esteemed plum. But as the trees have come
into bearing this expectation has not been reahzed. The Jefferson
proves, indeed, to be a most excellent variety, superior to many others
of the same season, but it cannot be ranked with the Green Gage. It
possesses, however, great beauty, and, in this respect perhaps, it equals,
if it does not surpass, any other variety ; it has the same delicate yellow
skin as the Washington, but this is blotched and marbled, in the most
beautiful blending of tints, with crimson, lake and rich purple. It has
also the excellent characteristic of hanging long upon the tree without
rotting. Summing up all its qualities, — size, beauty and fine flavor, —
it must claim a prominent place among our plums, answering as a very
good substitute for the Green Gage when that variety is gone, though
falling a little short of it in excellence.
The Jefferson was raised by the late Judge Buel, of Albany, and the
original tree was, a few years since, growing upon the grounds occupied
by him. The date of its origin we have not seen stated, but we pre-
sume it must have been twenty-five or thirty years ago. In looking
over a list of fruit trees, presented to the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society by Judge Buel, in 1829, we find one tree mentioned simply as
" my plum ;" and as we are not aware of his ever having raised any
other variety of merit, we presume that it was the Jefferson. In 1841,
trees were presented to the London Horticultural Society, in whose
garden it fruited in 1845. It is now very generally disseminated
throughout the country.
The Jefterson is not a very rapid growing tree, having much of the
habit of the Green Gage ; it does not come into bearing so soon as
some other varieties, but, when full grown, it produces abundant crops.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, branching low, with diverging
shoots, forming an irregular, rather compact head ; annual shoots of
moderate growth.
[1]
JE FFERSON PLUM.
Wood. — Purplish brown, partially covered with a grayish epidermis,
nearly smooth or but shghtly downy, and short-jointed; buds, medium
size, sharply pointed, with prominent shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, narrow, ovate, deep green, smooth above,
and finely and sharply serrated; petioles, medium length, about half an
inch long, rather slender.
Flowers. — Medium size, stamens and style about equal length.
Fruit. — Large, about two inches long, and one and three quarters
of an inch broad : Form, roundish oval, narrowing most on one side,
near the stem ; suture, distinct, running half round, one side larger
than the other : Skin, fair, smooth, deep yellow, clouded, marbled and
dotted with bright crimson and purplish red on the sunny side, and
covered with a thin whitish bloom : Stem, medium length, httle more
than half an inch long, moderately stout, and inserted in a small circu-
lar rim, set neai'ly even with the surface : Flesh, yellowish, thick, and
melting, slightly adhering to the stone : Juice, abundant, rich, sweet
and delicious : Stone, medium size, ovate, sharply pointed, and nearly
smooth.
Ripe from the middle to the last of September.
[2]
TEE BELffiKE LATTaEilEPL PEAH
Fvucts of America, Plate N"?
Drivvn from KAlure S- Chriinio Litfi'/ &y W. SKarp.
THE BELTRRE/ LANGELIER PEAR.
Beuere' Langeliee. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xii. p. 336.
Notwithstanding the great number of new
pears which have been brought to notice the last
twenty years, there is still only a limited number
of late winter varieties of really first rate excel-
lence. The Winter Nelis, Glout Morceau, Beurre
d'Aremberg, Passe Colmar and Easter Beurre,
among foreign kinds, and the Lawrence and Lewis,
among our American seedlings, comprise almost
the entire list. It is gratifying, therefore, to every
pomologist, to record the accession of such a supe-
rior fruit as the Beurre Langelier, which must be
classed among the best, if not the finest, of its season. It has all the
characteristics of a fine pear. Of large size, handsome form, beautiful
appearance, delicious flavor, ripening freely and keeping well, it at once
claims the highest rank ; and if we add to these qualities a vigorous
and healthy growing tree, of unexceptionable habit and large glossy
fohage, a correct idea may be obtained of its excellence.
The Beurre Langelier was first introduced to the notice of cultiva-
tors by M. Langelier, of Jersey, who, we presume, raised it from seeds,
though it may have been produced by some of the French or Belgian
pomologists, and placed in his hands for sale. M. Langelier, in a cir-
cular issued in 1844, when he first o£fered the trees for sale, "begs
leave to draw the attention of pear growers to his new pear, of first
rate merit; perfectly melting, ripe in January, of fine Beurre shape,
larger than Napoleon, bears well as a standard, trees very vigorous, and
one of the best in cultivation." To say it has proved all this is doing
no more than justice to M. Langelier.
The Beurre Langelier grows freely both upon the pear and quince
stock ; it does not come into bearing very early, and it has not yet
fruited sufiiciently to test its qualities for productiveness. But, so far
as we can form an opinion, after fruiting it on young trees for three
years, and those unfavorable ones to the pear, it promises to be an
abundant bearer.
Tree. — Very vigorous, upright, with slightly diverging branches,
making a regular and symmetrical head ; annual shoots of moderate
length, straight and strong.
Wood. — Dark glossy brown, distinctly dotted with large, round, gray-
ish specks, stout and rather short-jointed ; old wood, dull brown, with
BEURRE' LANGELIER PEAR.
conspicuous horizontal specks; buds, medium size, roundish ovate,
erect, with moderately large shoulders : Flower-buds, good size, obo-
vate, and slightly woolly.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish ovate, smooth, thick, dai'k glossy
green, largest about the middle, narrowing to each end, little wavy and re-
curved on the midi'ib, very indistinctly and obtusely serrated, with promi-
nent nerves ; petioles, long, nearly two inches, and moderately stout.
Flowees. — Small; petals, roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and three inches
in diameter : Form, obtuse pyramidal, somewhat Bon Chretien shaped,
slightly contracted about the middle, and ending obtusely at the stem :
Skin, fair, smooth, clear light green, becoming pale lemon yellow when
mature, with a broad tinge of pale blush on the sunny side, and dotted
with numerous small russet specks : Stem, medium length, about one
inch long, rather slender, and obhquely inserted in a small, shallow,
contracted cavity : Eye, smaU, closed, and rather abruptly sunk in a
small furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx short : Flesh, yellowish
white, fine, buttery, melting and very juicy : Flavor, rich, vinous and
dehcious, with a fine aroma : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe from December to February.
[4]
THE HULL PEAPv.
Prmts of America, Plate N?
IiTRwn from ^"alure Sr C^ToIno Iit7i4 byW. fihai-p.
THE HULL PEAR,
Hull. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xi. p. 43.5.
The Hull pear is one of the best of our
American seedlings. It is not so prepossessing
in appearance as many others of the same sea-
son,— having a dull greenish skin, more or less
ti'aced and dotted with russet, — but in its melt-
ing flesh and fine flavor, it is excelled but by
few of the autumn pears. It has, in addition,
all the desirable qualities which characterize our
native fruits, viz., a hardy and vigorous growing
tree, and an abundant bearer.
The Hull is believed to have originated in the town of Swanzey,
Mass. From a letter now before us, from Mr. D. Wilbur, Jr., of Som-
erset, who introduced the Hull to the notice of cultivators, and who
sent us scions from the original tree in 1844, accompanied with his
letter, we learn that the parent tree was then growing in Swanzey, and
appeai'ed about forty years old. It had not attracted much attention
or been generally known only a few years. The tree originally grew
in an old orchai'd, but some years previously had been removed to
where it then stood. There were no other kinds in the vicinity, and
from what pear it may have sprung no correct idea can be formed.
Mr. Wilbur states that " it is a prodigious beai'er." It is so unlike
most other varieties in its growth, wood, &c., that we have supposed it
must be a seedling from some wilding tree, and that this was the first
remove towards an ameliorated state, as practised by Van Mons in the
production of his seedhngs.
The trees grow rapidly, making long, rambhng and rather slender
annual shoots, with but few lateral branches. It comes into bearing
moderately early. It does not succeed well upon the quince.
Tree. — Vigorous, of a somewhat stragghng habit, making long an-
nual shoots, with but few lateral branches, and forming a loose irregular
head.
Wood. — Clear yellowish brown, dotted with small grayish specks,
moderately stout, and rather short-jointed; old wood, dull yellowish
brown; annual shoots, long, curved; buds, medium size, slightly diverg-
ing : Flower-buds, medium size, pointed.
Leaves. — Medium size, obovate, broadest neai- the base, tapering to
the point, which is shortly acuminate, fight glossy green, wavy, rolling
[5]
HULL PEAR.
slightly underneath on tlie sides, thickly nerved, and very indistinctly
serrated ; petioles, veiy long, about two inches, and rather slender.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches long, and two and three
quai'ters in diameter : Form, obovate, tapering to the stem, Avhere it
ends obtusely: Skin, shghtly rough, pale yellowish gi-een, tinged with
dull red on the sunny side, blotched with russet at the base of the
stem, somewhat traced with russet over the surface, and regulai'ly cov-
ered with brownish red specks : Stem, long, about one and a half
inches, smooth, rather slender, dark brown, and inserted without any
depression on an obtuse point : Eye, medium size, open, and sunk in
an uneven shallow basin; segments of the calyx, round, short: Flesh,
yellowish white, coai'se, melting, buttery and juicy, slightly gritty at the
core: Flavor, rich and sugary, with a spicy, dehcious ai*oma: Core,
large : Seeds, medium size, mostly abortive, long and pointed, dai'k
brown.
Ripe in September, and keeps two or three weeks.
16]
THE PAMETJSE APPLE
Inal3 uPAnierica, PTate JT?
Drawn from Fa 1 are 8-CIironio Ltrtif Dy l/V^&i'Iurp
THE FAMEU8E APPLE.
Fameuse. Forsyth's Fruit Trees, 3d Edition.
De Neige, X
PoMME DE Fameuse, iLon. Hort. Soc. Cat.
Sanguineus, )
PoMME DE Neige, Fruits and IVuit Trees of America.
Snow Apple, ) ^ » • n ^•
> or some Amencan collections.
Chimney Apple, )
It is somewhat remarkable that such an old apple
as the Fameuse, famihar to European writers on
fruits, should not have been more generally known
among our American pomologists. Neither Cox nor
Thatcher, two of the earliest writers, mention it;
and Mr. Kenrick, in his Orchardist, appears to have
been the first to call the attention of cultivators to
it. His description and account of the Fameuse
brought it into notice, and latterly it has become
much better known and more highly appreciated, so
that at the present time a collection cannot be con-
sidered complete without it.
That a variety of so much merit should not have been more gen-
erally disseminated is somewhat surprising, for, as an autumn apple,
both on the score of beauty and excellence, it has few superiors. Of
only medium size, it is still large enough for a dessert fruit, and its
brilliant purplish crimson skin, which brings its snow-white flesh in
still greater contrast, renders it one of the most attractive apples. In
its peculiarly tender, almost melting flesh, and its slightly musky aroma,
it gi'eatly resembles some of the fine pears.
The Fameuse has always been supposed by our pomologists to be an
American apple ; and one of our authors speaks of it as a " celebrated
Canadian fruit." But the early notice of it by Forsyth, as well as its
histoiy, so far as it has been traced, afibrd no proof of this. On the
contrai'y the evidence is, that it is a foreign apple, and in all probabiHty
originated in Fi'ance. It is known to have been planted by the French
settlers on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, at Ogdensburgh and
Detroit, one hundred and fifty years ago ; and it is scarcely possible
that at that time a native variety should have been so well known, as to
have been disseminated over such a large tract of countiy.
[1]
FAMEUSE APPLE
The Fameuse is a most abundant bearer in alternate years. It
seems to prefer a deep, rich, strong, loamy and rather moist soil; and it
is in such situations as this, in tlie vicinity of Montreal, that it attains
its greatest excellence.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, making erect annual shoots,
and forming a large, round, handsome head.
Wood. — Deep reddish chestnut, dotted with small, whitish specks,
rather slender, and short-jointed ; buds, small, short and flattened :
Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish ovate, shortly pointed, tapering
little towards each end, nearly flat, deep green, doubly, rather deeply,
and sharply serrated ; petioles, short, about one inch long, stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals cupped, and tinged with pink.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches broad, and two and a half
deep : Form, round, occasionally flattened at the base, and largest in
the middle : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish green, nearly covered with a
lively pale red, and streaked with pui'plish crimson, very dark on the
sunny side : Stem, short, about half an inch long, rather slender, and
inserted in a moderately deep and somewhat contracted cavity : Eye,
small, closed, and little depressed in a slightly furrowed basin ; seg-
ments of the calyx rather long, twisted : Flesh, snow-white, fine, crisp
and very tender; Juice, abundant, shghtly subacid, rich and excellent,
with a delicate musky aroma : Core, medium size, closed : Seeds, me-
dium size, long and pointed.
IiiPE in October and November, and keeps well.
[8]
THE CRAWFORD'S LATE PEACH.
Crawford's Late.
Crawford's Late Malacatune, } ^^^ ^^ QrchurdiM.
Crawford's Superb Malacatune, j
Crawford's Late Melocoton, Fruits and Fruit TVees of America,
Lemon Rareripe, of some American Collections.
Crawford's Late stands at the head of all our American peaches
for its size and magnificence of appearance ; and among yellow-fleshed
varieties it certainly stands equally high for its excellent qualities.
Under ordinary cultivation, it is a remarkably large, showy and beautiful
fruit; but when raised in its greatest perfection, it measures tw^elve or
thirteen inches in cu'cumference. Mr. Kenrick states that ninety of the
peaches have filled a basket, holding over three pecks.
This superb variety was raised by William Crawford, Esq., of Mid-
dletown. New Jersey, the same gentleman who produced the Early
Crawford, already figured and described in our first volume. It was
first brought to the notice of pomologists by Mr. William Kenrick, of
Newton, who described it in the American Orchardist, under the name
of Crawford's Late Malacatune. But as all long and unnecessary
names are objectionable, and not generally used, it has latterly been
known simply as Crawford's Late, which name we now adopt Formerly
peaches were chiefly distinguished as " rareripes" and " malacatunes,"
the former being the white-fleshed and the latter the yellow-fleshed
ones ; but we believe it is now universally conceded, that the addition
of either of these names to a fruit conveys no decided meaning, and
is therefore useless. Brevity in the names of all fruits is a desirable
and commendable object.
Crawford's Late much resembles the Early Crawford. It is a little
larger than that variety ; it is also rounder and not compressed on the
sides. It has the same deep yellow skin, and the brilliant coloring of
that peach, but the surface is covered with a thicker down. It ripens
about a month later than the Early Crawford. As a mai'ket fruit it is
one of the most profitable in cultivation, coming in, as it does, after
most of the other large peaches are gone, and it always commands a
high price.
Under the name of Lemon Rareripe, the Crawford's Late has been
considerably disseminated in Massachusetts.
[9|
CRAW FORD'S LATEPEACH.
Leaves. — Rather large, nearly smooth, crenated, with globose glands.
Flowers. — Small, pale red.
Feuit. — Large, about three mches broad, and three inches long :
Form, roundish, shghtly oblique at the point, one side little larger than
the other, with a distinct suture running half round, and a rather small
cavity at the base : Skin, deep yellow, woolly, broadly suffused with
bright red on the sunny side, often indistinctly striped and mottled :
Flesh, rich yellow, very melting, and faintly rayed with red at the
stone, from which it parts freely : Juice, abundant, rich, brisk, saccha-
rine and delicious : Stone, large, thick, very deeply furrowed.
Ripe from the middle to the end of September.
[10]
TEK BARTLETT OR WILLIAM.^
;■< T!n^r rf^R'^^'^R^y PEAR
jneyica., £Iate U'
BARTLETT, OR WILLIAMS' BON CHRETIEN PEAR.
Williams' Bon CHRE''riEN. Trans. Lon. Hort Soc, vol. ii. pi. xvi.
Bartlett, of all American Collections.
William, of some French Collections.
This large and superb pear, now universally
known under the name of Bartlett, in all American
collections, is one of the most popular, admired
and generally- cultivated varieties, possessing, in an
eminent degree, a combination of excellences which
can scarcely be found in any other pear. In size
it is among the largest, in appearance among the
most beautiful, and in quality among the best of
its season ; and, when to merits such as these are
added a free growing and vigorous tree, an upright
and handsome habit, an early and abundant bearer;
in all seasons and all soils a fair and perfect fruit, ripening freely when
gathered early, and keeping w^ell, it must be admitted that it ranks
among the very best varieties for general cultivation.
The Bartlett was first described, as above quoted, under the name
of Wihiams' Bon Chretien, its proper and legitimate title, and one
which it ought to retain. But the name of Bartlett has become so
generally diffused, that it has supplanted the former, and it must
henceforth be generally known, — at least in this country, — as the Bart-
lett. It originated in Berkshire, England, about sixty years ago ; but
grafts of it were subsequently obtained by Mr. Williams, a nurseryman
near London, who first introduced it to notice. It was first introduced
to this country in the year 1799, when Mr. James Carter, of Boston,
purchased a few trees in London, for Mr. Thomas Brewer, of Rox-
bury, Mass. The estate subsequently passed into the possession of E.
Bartlett, Esq., after whom it was named.
The tree grows freely upon the quince, and produces great crops ; it
is, however, so early and abundant a bearer upon the pear stock, that
there is but little necessity for growing it upon the quince. Young
trees in the nursery rows frequently bear the second year.
Tree. — ^A^igorous, upright, very regular until it begins to bear, when
the branches become somewhat pendulous and irregular ; annual shoots,
strong, stout, curved inwards at the ends.
Wood. — Clear dark yellow, dotted with small, pale gray specks ; old
wood, dull brownish yellow; buds, medium size, little pointed, flattened,
with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, obovate, obtuse.
[11]
BARTLETT FEAR.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, acuminate, smooth, thick, deep glossy
green, sUghtly curved on the midrib, folded inwards at the edges, and
finely but obtusely serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one and a
half inches long, moderately stout, holding the leaf erect.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals, roundish, cupped.
Feuit. — Large, about four inches long and three inches in diameter :
Form, obtuse pyramidal, largest near the middle, rounding off to the
crown, and narrowing to the base, which is obtuse, with an uneven and
somewhat knobby or irregular sm-face : Skin, fair, smooth, clear lemon
yellow when mature, lightly tinged with blush on the sunny side, some-
times russeted around the stem, and thickly covered with minute russet
specks : Stem, short, about half an inch long, stout, thick, little swol-
len at the base, and inserted in a small uneven cavity: Eye, medium
size, open, and little sunk in a rather small furrowed basin ; segments
of the calyx thick, short, projecting : Flesh, yellowish white, fine, melt-
ing, buttery and juicy : Flavor, sugary and rich, with a high musky
aroma : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size, broad, light brown.
Ripe the middle of September and keeps two or three weeks.
[12]
rj-TE LAWRE'f^HF, PEA.P..
Is ml:.- ;)! /uii':i'|.:,i,IM;il.(i N"
Di'dWii Ironi Mun a Uiironfo lilli',' by ,Sfi,irii * .'ioi.
THE LAWRENCE PEAR,
TjAweence. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xii. p. 452.
The Lawrence is one of our finest American
pears, probably the best winter variety yet found
among our native kinds. It has, what few other
of the winter sorts possess, the excellent property
of keeping well under the most ordinary care, and
of ripening off as freely as the Baldwin apple.
This property, which should be considered an almost
indispensable one in a fine winter pear, is one of
its most valuable characteristics ; still it has all the
other requisites of a superior variety. It is of
good size, fair form, attaining a fine yellow hue
when fully mature, and its melting flesh abounds with a rich, sugary,
refreshing, and perfumed juice.
It was first brought to the notice of cultivators by Messrs. Wilcomb
& King, nurserymen of Flushing, L. I., who sent some fine specimens
of the fruit to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in November,
1843, accompanied with a letter, in which they state, " that it is a
native of Flushing ; that it produces abundant crops every year, and is
in eating over four months, from November to February. It is not
inclined to rot or shrivel, as is tlie case with some of our winter pears.
The tree is of fair growth, and appears to be a cross between the Old
St. Germain and the St. Michael, (White Doyenne,) as it resembles
both of them in wood, foliage and fruit, and there is no other variety
in the neighborhood of the tree."
The Lawrence, in its habit, resembles the St. Germain; and there
can be but little doubt that it is a natural hybrid, partaking of the com-
bined qualities of its two parents. In the growth of the tree, as well
as the quality of the fruit, it approaches the Dix, itself a seedling from
the St. Germain. But the Lawrence is of a more vigorous, as well as
of a more beautiful, habit, than either of those varieties, forming, natu-
rally, a fine pyramidal tree. It is an early as well as an abundant
bearer. It will not grow freely upon the quince.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright and regularly branched; annual shoots,
slender, straight, and moderately long.
Wood. — Clear dark yellow, dotted with small, grayish specks, slender
and short-jointed ; old wood, dull brownish yellow ; buds, medium
size, roundish, obtuse, diverging : Flower-buds, small, roundish.
[131
LAWRENCE PEAR.
Leaves. — Small, oblong ovate, broadest in the middle, narrowing
to the base, tapering to a somewhat elongated point, thick, dark glossy
green, little folded inwards, finely nerved, slightly wavy, aind rather
deeply and sharply serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one inch
long, moderately stout.
Flowers. — Small; petals, roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about tliree inches long and two and a half in
diameter: Form, obovate, full at the crown, tapering but little to the
stem, where it ends obtusely: Skin, fair, nearly smooth, pale lemon
yellow when mature, somewhat freckled with dull green, with a circle of
russet around both the eye and stem, and regularly covered with small
dark gray specks : Stem, medium length, about one inch long, stout,
straight, nearly smooth, swollen at its junction with the tree, and rather
deeply inserted in a large round cavity, with a projection on one side :
Eye, large, closed, and deeply sunk in a large, open, furrowed, angular
basm; segments of the calyx medium length, projecting: Flesh, yel-
lowish white, very melting and juicy, and slightly gritty at the core :
Flavor, rich, sugary and excellent, with a slight perfume : Core, me-
dium size : Seeds, small.
Ripe from November to February.
114]
♦ *
^
THE C;EAYEl(STEli\ AEPLE.
FriLfh cf i\jfierrca,Pfa|-e fi^
ranriL rrnTR tfHtU!'(' i> Uhroain litFl'' br tJRnrp & Son
THE GRAVENSTEIN APPLE.
Gkavenstein. Transactions Lon. Hort. Soc, vol. iv. pi. xxi.
Grave Slue, > According to HoH. Soc. Cat, 1842.
Sabine of the Flemings, >
Grafensteiner, of the Germans.
But few of the great number of foreign varieties
of apples, which have been described and figured in
European pomological works, appear to possess much
merit in comparison with our native Idnds. It is
^f^-^/true, only a limited number have had a fair trial;
^^m/ but that number has been a selection from the very
^^> best, and few of them are sufficiently meritorious to
retain a place in our gardens.
Among these few, however, the Gravenstein un-
doubtedly stands at the head. It is a large as well
as a most beautiful fruit, and possesses that crisp yet
tender flesh, and that refreshing admixture of sweet and acid which
characterize our most esteemed apples. It comes in, too, at a season
when we are not overstocked with fine varieties, succeeding the Porter,
and supplying the table throughout the month of October.
The origin of the Gravenstein remains in some doubt. It is said to
have been originally found in the Duke of Augustinberg's garden at
Gravenstein, in Holstein, and that the original tree was growing there
in the middle of the last century ; another statement is, that it derived
its name from being found in the garden of the castle of Grafenstein,
in Sleswick ; and Diel says, that it was supposed by some to have
been introduced from Italy, Be this as it may, it is a common apple
throughout Germany and Sweden, and was received from thence into
the English collections. It is undoubtedly of similar origin with the
Red Astrachan and Duchess of Oldenburg, possessmg the pecuhar habit
of growth, form of foliage, and texture of the fruit, which distinguish
the German apples.
At what time it was first introduced into our gardens we are not
aware. But as neither Cox or Thatcher describe or name it, we sup-
pose it was some time subsequent to the account given of it in the
Transactions of the London Horticultural Society in 1822. It is at
the present time considerably cultivated, though not to the extent its
merits deserve.
[15]
GRAVENSTEIN APPLE,
The Gravenstein is a vigorous and healthy growing tree, attaining a
good size, and bearing abundant crops.
Tkee. — ^Vigorous, upright, with a somewhat pyramidal habit, but
forming a large, round head ; annual shoots branching off horizontally,
moderately stout, curved upwards at the end.
Wood. — Brown purplish red, sprinkled with a few whitish dots,
rather short-jointed, woolly at the ends ; old wood, dull brownish red;
buds, small, short, and flattened : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Large, ovate, somewhat cordate at the base, acuminate,
the upper surface deep glossy gTeen, little wavy, and rather sharply
serrated ; petioles, medium length, about an inch long, rather stout.
Flowees. — ^Large, pale ; petals, roundish, cupped.
Fkuit. — Large, about three inches broad, and two and a half deep :
Form, roundish, irregular, angular on the sides, broadest at the base
and narrowing to the crown, which is large, ribbed, and slightly de-
pressed : Skin, fair, smooth, with a greenish yellow ground, of a waxen
hue, distinctly streaked and pencilled with pale red, and lightly splashed
with crimson, deepest on the sunny side : Stem, very short, less than
half an inch long, moderately stout, and deeply inserted in a medium
sized, somewhat uneven cavity : Eye, large, open, and moderately sunk
in a large, open and furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx large, broad,
somewhat reflexed and woolly : Flesh, yellowish white, rather coarse,
crisp and very tender : Juice, abundant, rich, subacid, sprightly and
high flavored : Core, rather small, closed : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in September and keeps till December.
[16]
jm] ClOLIMBJA. PEAP
Fr.nis of AnnrriCcu Plate N^
nrawti.i'TirTnMat-'-i-r!' ^ C h.r o mo lilh.^ Vy AV. S h a j p & S :
THE COLUMBIA PEAR.
Columbia. Kenrick's American Orchardist.
Columbian Virgoulouse, Mag. of Hort. vol. ix.
The Columbia pear has not, we believe, been fully
appreciated. It is now nearly twenty years since it
was first introduced to notice, and it is yet only culti-
vated to a limited extent. When all its qualities are
considered, it must rank among our most popular vari-
eties. The fruit is of tlie largest size, with a cleai^
yellow skin when mature, handsome and prepossessing
in appearance, and keeps even as late as February.
Though not so high flavored as the Glout Morceau or
Winter Nelis, it is melting, juicy, and excellent. The
tree is a vigorous and healthy grower, bearing the most abundant
crops, and has that good characteristic of being a native fruit.
The Columbia was introduced to notice by Messrs. Bloodgood & Co.,
Flushing, L. I., who sent the fruit to the Mass. Hort. Society, in De-
cember, 1835, accompanied with a letter giving a brief history of the pear.
In this letter, which was published in the Mag. of Hort., (vol. ii. p. 37,)
it is stated that " the original tree was a seedling, about fifteen inches in
diameter. It was upon a farm belonging to Mr. Cusser, in Westchester
County, thirteen miles from the city of New York. Messrs. Bloodgood
& Co. saw the tree, and also a grafted one from the original, four inches
in diameter, which produced that year (1835) four bushels of pears."
The exceMence of the specimens induced many amateurs to add the
Columbia to their collections, and the variety was much sought after.
But owing to its tardiness in coming into bearing, and probably its ordi-
nary cultivation, it has latterly been somewhat neglected. We think,
liowever, it will yet become a very popular pear.
The Columbia is a strong though not a rapid grower. It has an up-
right habit, forming a pyramidal head. It is slow in coming into fruit,
and does not succeed well upon the quince.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, making only a few lateral
branches, which diverge at first, but are erect at the ends ; annual
shoots stout, of moderate length.
Wood. — Light brownish olive, dotted with small whitish specks, stout
and rather long-jointed; old wood, dull grayish olive; buds, large, long,
sharply pointed, diverging, with prominent shoulders: Flower-buds,
small, sharply pointed.
[17 1
COLUMBIA PEAR.
Leaves. — ^Large, oblong, rather narrow, broadest about the middle,
narrowing to each end, bright green, thickly nerved, recurved on the
midrib, httle wavy, folded inwards, obtusely and but slightly serrated ;
petioles, long, about one and a half inches, slender.
Flowers. — ^Large ; petals obovate, crumpled, cupped ; cluster loose.
Fruit. — Large, three and a half inches long, and two a,nd a half in
diameter: Form, oblong, or ovate-oblong, full at the crown, broadest
about the middle, swollen on one side, and tapering roundly to the
stem : Skin, fair, smooth, greenish yellow when mature, slightly russeted
around the eye, and regularly dotted with large russet specks : Stem,
long, one and a quarter inches in length, nearly straight, rather slender,
and obliquely inserted in a shallow cavity on the side of a slight protu-
berance : Eye,''large, open, and little sunk in a contracted, rather shal-
low basin ; segments of the calyx broad, spreading, reflexed : Flesh,
yellowish white, rather coarse, melting and juicy : Flavor, sugary and
good, with a pleasant though not high perfume : Core, large : Seeds,
small, slender, pointed, light brown.
Ripe from December to Februaiy.
[181
THE BUITUM PEAPv
T'ruil? of ArnMrir. H. P] iLte 11?
Diai-^L fTOTT: l\!a,1-.u-e.&- 01\Tc.-rn» Kth'? tyW St-ih.i ;■, ,-, ]oii
THE BUFFUM PEAR.
BuFFUM. Kenrick's American Orchardist.
BuFFAM, Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees.
The BufFum pear has been variously estimated by
different cultivators ; some considering it nearly equal to
a fine Doyenne, while others place it among those of me-
dium quality. Two years since, at the meeting of the
Pomological Congress in New York, the merits of the
Buffum were pretty fully discussed, the question being
upon adding it to the list of kinds worthy of general culti-
vation. The result of the discussion was, that it was
placed upon the list by a large majority.
The Buffum, without being ranked among the finest
pears, possesses abundant merits, which entitle it to a
place in the collection of every cultivator. The tree is of remarkably
vigorous growth, as erect and straight as a poplar, forming a perfect
pyramid, even without the aid of the pruning knife. It is an immense
bearer; and the fruit, which hangs in clusters from every branch, is fair
and beautiful, with a golden yellow skin, often russeted and deeply tinted
with bright red on the sunny side. Picked early, (as it should be,) and
ripened in the fruit room or house, it becomes almost as melting and
dehcious as the White Doyenne, which it resembles, when in its best
condition. A combination of such qualities we deem sujQ&cient to place
the Buffum among our most popular varieties.
The Buffum is a native of Rhode Island, originating in the garden of
David Buffum, of Warren. Mr. Manning, we believe, introduced it
ai'ound Boston, fruited it in his Pomological Garden at Salem, exhibited
it before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and gave a brief ac-
count of it in the Magazine of Horticulture in 1837, (vol. iii. p. 16.)
Since then, it has been gradually disseminated throughout the country,
though among the multitude of new pears, which ripen about the same
time, it has been overlooked, and inferior sorts have been planted, to
the exclusion of this much better fruit.
As an ornamental tree, merely, the Buffum claims our regard. Its
stately habit, symmetrical form, deep green fohage, and ruddy-colored
wood when stripped of its foliage, render it one of the best sorts to
inti'oduce near the house, where its spiry top breaks up the formahty of
[19]
BUFFUM PEAR.
rouud- headed trees. It is rather late in coming into bearing, and it
does not succeed well on the quince.
Wood. — Reddish brown, sparsely dotted with small whitish specks,
moderately stout and short-jointed; old wood, dull brown; buds, small,
short, broad at the base, erect, flattened : Flower-buds, medium size,
obtuse, dark brown.
Leaves. — Large, roundish-ovate, narrowing towards each end, thick,
deep green, glossy, wavy, prominently nerved, and coarsely and obtusely
serrated; petioles, medium length, three quarters to an inch long,
stout, holding the leaves erect.
Flowees. — Medium size : petals roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and two
and a quarter inches in diameter: Form, ovate, inclining to. obovate,
largest around the crown, rounding off" the stem, where it ends obtusely :
Skin, fair, smooth, pale yellow, interlaced with russet, brownish red on
the sunny side, and dotted with a few greenish and russety specks : Stem,
short, about half an inch long, stout and slightly sunk in a shallow cav-
ity : Eye, rather large, and little depressed in a shallow basin ; segments
of the calyx short, rounded: Flesh, yellowish white, fine, melting and
juicy: Flavor, rich, sweet, and pleasantly perfumed: Core, medium
size : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in September, and keeps two or three weeks.
[20]
THE UUB/^ISTM rKAli
T'ruiLs (if Araerica PI ale "N ^
tV,.mi_N»-h:ri! /v, iT-nrmiolflli.^ 'by Vv'', Saaj;|i I
THE URBANISTE PEAR.
Uebaniste. London Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 3d Ed. 1842.
Bkurre' du Roi, of some foreign Collections.
Beurre' Picquery, 1
Louise d'Orleans, \ *^^ "^"^^ ^^^^^^ ^"'^ ^^^S^^" Collections.
The Urbaniste is, undeniably, one of our very best
autumn pears. Under good culture, it is full as large
as the Louise Bonne of Jersey, and ripens immedi-
ately after that variety. The late Mr. R. Manning,
after some years' experience, thought the Urbaniste,
of all the European pears, the best substitute for the
old Saint Michael or White Doyenne. We have long
been familiar with it, and have seen it under all kinds
of cultivation, and do not hesitate to pronounce it as
unsurpassed among the autumn pears.
I or the early introduction of this fine variety we are indebted to the
Hon. J. Lowell, who in 1823, then corresponding secretary of the Mass.
Agricultural Society, opened a correspondence with Mr. Knight, Presi-
dent of the London Hoi't. Society. Mr. Knight, with that liberality
which was always a characteristic of his life, immediately forwarded trees
and scions of ten varieties of pears, among them the Urbaniste- From
Mr. Lowell's garden scions were disseminated, and it is now one of the
most generally cultivated of the new foreign pears. The Urbaniste was
raised by the Count de Coloma, of Malines, who first sent specimens
of the fruit to the London Hort. Society in 1823.
That a pear of so much merit should not have acquired any syno-
nymes until within a few years, is somewhat remarkable, though fortu-
nate for cultivators. Within five or six years, it has been disseminated
from the French nurseries as the Beurre Picquery, which, by some, is
still believed to be a different fruit ; but the latest error is that of Bivort,
who named and described a pear as the Louise d'Orleans, supposed to
be a late seedling of Van Mens, which, after fruiting, proves to be only
the Urbaniste. Such mistakes, by such a pomologist as Bivort, should
caution us to look with distrust upon similar descriptions of new fruits.
The Urbaniste is a vigorous though rather slender growing tree, with
numerous lateral branches, which clothe the trunk from top to bottom.
It is late in coming into bearing on the pear, but succeeds admirably on
the quince.
[21]
URBANISTE PEAR.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, regularly branched from the
base ; annual shoots rather slender, straight, of medium length,
^OOD. — ^Light brownish olive, sprinkled with small whitish dots, and
short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, medium size, oval, rather
blunt, diverging : Flower-buds, small, obtuse.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, largest in the middle, narrow, thick,
yellowish green, glossy, slightly folded inwards, deeply and finely serrated ;
petioles, medium length, about one inch long, rather slender.
Flowers. — Small ; petals, narrow, wavy ; claw, long.
Fruit. — Large, three and a half inches long, and three inches in
diameter : Form, obovate, regulai', large in the middle, rounding off to
the eye, and obtuse at the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, pale yellowish
green, with occasional patches of russet, often slightly tinged with blush
on the sunny side, and dotted with russet specks : Stem, medium
length, about three quarters of an inch long, stout, thick, with an uneven
surface, and inserted in a slight cavity : Eye, rather large, and slightly
depressed in a small shallow basin ; segments of the calyx short : Flesh,
white, fine, melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary, sprightly,
perfumed and dehcious : Core, large : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in October, and keeps four or five weeks.
[22]
:"urTS .APHJ]
'"^i nl j-Vrn.PXi.ca- Plaii; "N'-
IDTa-TvTvfrarr.^N'^iuTfiA CTu-o-nu; Rtkf ij^W. SIiat' p LSc
THE TUFTS APPLE.
Tufts. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvi. p. 496.
Tufts' Baldwin, of some.
Our list of late autumn apples, though very extensive,
contains only a limited number of superior quality. After
the Gravenstein and Porter are gone, there is only a
moderate supply of fine sorts, till the Hubbai'dston Non-
such, Greening, &c., come in. At that period, therefore,
it is especially to be desned that accessions may be made
to the number we already possess of the excellence, size
and beauty of the varieties above mentioned. To supply
such a desideratum, should be the eflfort of all who are
looking up our native seedhngs, or who may attempt the
growth of new sorts by seeds.
The Tufts originated in 1830 or '31, in Cambridge, Mass., in the
garden of the late Peter Tufts. It was first discovered among a lot of
seedling stocks, and from the size and beauty of the leaf, and vigor of
the tree, it attracted the attention of the son of the owner, Mr. C. Tufts,
who removed it in the autumn to a favorable situation, where it might
develop its growth. It advanced rather slowly, and did not come into
bearing for upwards of sixteen years ; it then only bore two or three
apples ; the next year it produced more ; the third year a larger number,
and continued to increase the crop until the sixth or eighth year, when
the tree was loaded with such specimens as our beautiful figure repre-
sents. In 1860, Mr. E. Tufts first exhibited quite a quantity of the
apples at the annual show of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society,
which not only attracted universal attention, but obtained the prize as
the best specimen offered for exhibition. Subsequently, it was tested
by the Fruit Committee, who pronoimced it a superior variety.
The general appearance of the Tufts is similar to the Baldwin ; but
the form is rounder and more flattened, and the skin is of a deeper and
richer hue. It also possesses the same flavor, and delicious admixture
of sweet and acid, which have made the Baldwin so popular a fruit. The
tree is not so rapid a grower as the Baldwin, nor quite so erect and
regular in its habit ; it, however, forms a large and well-shaped head.,
It is a constant and abundant bearer.
[23]
TUFTS ATPLE.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, and well shaped; annual
shoots of moderate length.
"V^ooD. — Dark chestnut, dotted with large white specks, moderately
stout, and rather short-jointed; old wood,, brownish chestnut; buds,
medium size, broad, flattened, woolly.
Leaves. — Large, oblong ovate, broadest near the base, narrowing but
little to the point, which is sharply acuminate, thick, dull green, flat,
rather smooth above, downy beneath, finely, obtusely and not very deeply
serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one inch long, stout.
Flowees. — Medium size ; slightly tinged with pink.
Feuit. — Large, about three and a half inches broad, and two and
three quarters deep : Form, roundish oblate, swollen on one side, some-
what uneven in its outline, being slightly ribbed, and narrowing little to
the crown, which is oblique: Skin, fair, smooth, of an oily touch, with
a greenish yellow ground, nearly covered with dark, dull crimson, little
russeted around the stem, and the surface interspersed with a few scat-
tered yellow specks : Stem, medium length, about three quarters of ah
inch long, slender, and deeply sunk in a large rather open cavity : Eye,
small, closed, and moderately sunk in a very broad and little furrowed
basin; segments of the calyx short: Flesh, greenish white, fine, crisp,
and tender : Juice, abundant, with a pleasant admixture of sweet and
acid, high flavored and excellent : Core, medium size, nearly closed :
Seeds, medium size, mostly abortive.
Ripe from October to December.
[24]
THE tiovey: csehry
Zruity oP iTnerrcd, Plate ¥°
Iravm Promiialarft & Cfiromo liiJi'^ by ofiarp 8 Son.
THE HOVEY CHERRY.
HOVEY.
The cherry, though one of the finest of the smaller fruits, has
received but little attention, in comparison with the pear, the apple,
and the peach, or, indeed, with the strawberry or gooseberry. Till
within a few years, the list of really fine varieties has been confined to
about a dozen sorts, and few of these have been much improvement
over some of the oldest in cultivation : the Black Tartarian still main-
tains its place as one of the best, though introduced upwards of half a
century ago. The late Mr. Knight, forty years since, perceived the
want of this improvement, and not only recommended the growth of
new sorts, but attempted the production of seedhngs, by the sure system
of hybridization. His success was much greater than with the. pear ;
for the Elton, Downton, Black Eagle, and Waterloo, which were the
result of his experiments, have ever since been considered among the
best in cultivation.
Within fifteen or twenty years, our American cultivators, aware of this
dearth of superior cherries, have come into the field, and, it would ap-
pear, with great success. Already our catalogues are swelling up with
the names of new seedlings. The Downer, Sweet Montmorency, Spar-
hawk's Honey, and Coe's Transparent, are well known ; and the more
recent seedlings, of Prof. Kirtland, of Ohio, bid fair to eclipse any which
have yet been raised. If so much has been already accomplished, may
we not hope for far greater improvement from continued and well-
directed efforts ? It is well known that, excepting Mr, Knight's cherries,
most of the others have been chance seedhngs, or trees raised by selec-
tions from the choicest kinds ; and we do not doubt, if careful fertiliza-
tion was effected, still greater results would be produced.
The new variety which we now figure will prove a fine addition to our
stock of late cherries. It is larger than the Black Tartarian, and comes
in among the latest of the sweet cherries we possess, ripening about the
same time of the Sweet Montmorency. Its beauty is unequalled, and
its excellence surpassed by none.
This variety was selected from a bed of seedlings in 1839. Upwards
of a dozen trees, which gave promise of excellence from the remarkable
size of their foliage, were set out for fruiting ; all but two, however, out
of the lot, proved to be inferior to the kinds we already possess, It
[25]
HOVE Y CHERRY.
first fruited in 1848, and since then has borne constant crops, increasing
in quantity each year. It bears in large clusters of from twenty to
thirty cherries, and the tree, loaded with its fruit, is one of the prettiest
sights in the garden. The tree forms a fine, broad, pyramidal head.
Tree. — Very vigorous, upright, pyramidal in its growth, with ascend-
ing branches, and very stout annual shoots.
Wood. — Strong, rather short-jointed, brownish on the shaded side,
darker on the other, and covered with a silvery epidermis ; buds, promi-
nent, medium size.
Leaves. — Very large, oblong ovate, largest towards the point, taper-
ing to each end, thick, bright green, smooth, nearly flat, with prominent
nerves beneath, doubly and rather sharply serrated ; petioles, medium
length, about one and a half inches long, stout, downy, with two me-
dium sized glands at the base of the leaf.
Flowers. — Large ; petals, roundish, cupped ; style and stamens
about equal.
Fruit. — Large, upwards of an inch in diameter, and one inch in
length : Form, obtuse heart-shaped, tapering very little to the point,
which is broadly rounded, with a very shallow suture on one side, ending
in a shallow depression at the apex : Skin, shining, clear rich amber
in the shade, beautifully colored, and somewhat mottled with brilliant red
in the sun, in some well-ripened specimens nearly covering the fruit :
Stem, short, about one inch long, rather stout, nearly straight, and in-
serted in a deep, round cavity: Flesh, pale amber, rather firm, but
tender, rich, brisk and dehcious, sHghtly adhering to the stone : Stone,
small, oval.
Ripe from the middle of July to beginning of August.
[26]
■ProitsoP Amerrca P[ate ¥"
THE i^iriTOTT PEAPi
Jirdvioi From. liahire I'JlroxgG, [itfi'^ by Sharp S. Son,
THE FULTON PEAR.
Fulton. New England Farmer, vol. vii. p. 386.
The Fulton is one of the earliest of our native
pears which were brought to the attention of
cultivators. At the time it first fruited in the
vicinity of Boston, in 1828, there were not more
than eight or ten American varieties of any ac-
knowledged excellence. Samuel Downer, Esq.,
of Dorchester, first made known its merits, and
it is doing no more than justice to his excellent
knowledge of fruits, to say that the encomiums
which he bestowed upon it have been fully de-
served, and that at the present time, after the
lapse of a quarter of a century, and after the introduction of so many
others, both native and foreign, it still maintains its good character, and
is eagerly sought after by every cultivator of fine pears. It possesses a
combination of good qualities. It is a rich looking fruit, having a fine
cinnamon russet, skin when fully mature ; it is an abundant bearer ; a
hardy and vigorous tree ; ripens its fruit well and in long succession,
and though not so highly perfumed as some others, has a fine melting
flesh and delicious flavor.
The Fulton originated in Topsham, Me., and we cannot better state
its history and introduction than in giving an extract of a letter from
Mr. John Abbott, of Brunswick, Me., in answer to the inquiries of Mr,
Downer, in tracing out its origin : —
" With respect to its history, I have to inform you that a family by
the name of Fulton, about fifty years ago, removed from the county of
Plymouth, Mass., to Topsham, in this neighborhood, and commenced a
new farm. In a year or two after they commenced their farm, Mr.
Fulton and his wife, as the woman informed me, returned to Massachu-
setts, to visit her friends, where she collected a considerable quantity of
pear seeds, which she planted on her return home. I have counted on
this farm, by this woman's planting, forty trees; but they are all ordi-
nary— some of them very ordinary — except this. I have resided in
Brunswick twenty-six years, and have nearly as long been acquainted
with this pear. As this is the only good pear for the market in the
neighborhood, I supply myself with it for three or four weeks by having
them gathered and brought me before they soften."
[27]
FULTON PEAK.
One peculiarity of the Fulton is the gradual ripening of the fruit.
Every pear that falls from the tree, or that is gathered, if taken to the
fruit room, mellows and becomes excellent. Mr. Manning, of Salem,
first noticed this, some years ago. The tree is a good grower, and forms
a handsome head. It does not succeed well upon the quince.
Teee. — Moderately vigorous, of upright habit, the lateral branches
forming a gentle curve upwards.
Wood. — ^Brownish yellow, dotted with whitish specks, rather slender
and very short-jointed, the young growth slightly downy ; old wood,
grayish olive; buds, medium size, short, diverging: Flower-buds, me-
dium size.
Leaves. — Small, ovate, narrowing to each end, thick, light yellowish
green, changing to red in the autumn, little wavy, slightly recurved on
the midrib, and finely and sharply serrated ; petioles, rather short, about
one inch long, moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, roundish ovate ; claw, long.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and two and
a half in diameter : Form, nearly round, shghtly uneven, flattened at
the crown, and rounding off to the stem : Skin, fair, slightly rough, of
a clear bright cinnamon russet, showing in some places a deep yellow
gi'ound : Stem, medium length, about one inch long, smooth, and rather
deeply inserted in a small round cavity : Eye, medium size, open, and
moderately sunk in a small basin ; segments of the calyx, long, stiff,
projecting: Flesh, white, fine, melting and juicy: Flavor, rich and ex-
cellent, though not highly perfumed : Core, large : Seeds, medium size,
short, pale brown-. '•• .* " .''
TliPE the last of September, and keeps three or four weeks.
[28]
.^
THE EOJN^M DES ZEES PEAR
Fntrfs oF Araenca. Pfate ¥°
DrawTi FrojufTature 8- CFiroiao rrriL'''b^' Sfiarp &■ Son
THE BONNE DES ZEES PEAR.
Bonne des Zees. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xix. p. 205.
Bonne d'Ezee, 1
Bonne des haies, \ of some French Collections.
Belle et Bonne de Zee, )
It is now some eight or ten years since we first saw
this variety, and noticed it in the Magazine of Horti-
culture, (vol. xi. p. 205.) It was in September, 1844,
when visiting the nursery of M. Jamin, in Paris, that
we tasted the Bonne des Zees, and at that time we
thought it one of the best of pears : true, we had not
many others to compare with it, for at that period of
the year there were but few ripe ; and in the absence
of such varieties as the Gushing, Golden Beurre of
Bilboa, Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, &c., which we have
abundant enough here, but which we did not see in Paris, we might
have forgotten their comparative merits. Still, we thought it excellent,
and now, after a trial of it for four years, from our own collection, we
think it fully sustains the high character we gave it in 1844. It some-
what resembles the Bartlett in shape and color, at least more so than
any other variety we now recollect ; and it is superior to it in quality.
The flesh is not so buttery, but it possesses a rich, somewhat vinous and
highly ai'omatized flavor. It is a very handsome pear.
The origin of the Bonne des Zees is unknown to us; whether a
French or Belgian variety we are not aware. We first saw the name in
M. Jamin's Catalogue, and up to the present time it appears but partially
disseminated abroad. There is some doubt about the proper mode of
writing the name, some French catalogues denominating it the Bonne
d'Ezee ; but we have adopted that under which we received it, and
which is the one used by M. Jamin.
The tree is a moderately vigorous grower, making a very compact
pyramidal head, even without the aid of the pruning-knife, which has
only to be used to thin out its thick and branchy growth. It does
not come into bearing very early on the pear, nor does it succeed very
well on the quince.
: Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, erect, and pyramidally formed.
Wood. — ^Dull yellowish olive, dotted with large grayish white specks,
moderately stout, and very short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; an-
nual shoots, short; buds, small, ovate, flattened, and sh^jply pointed :
Flower-buds, small, tapering to a point.
[29]
BONNE DES ZEES PEAR.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, narrowing most to the point, light
green, thin, considerably folded inwards, recurved on the midrib, and
entire at the edge ; petioles, rather long, about one and a half inches in
length, and moderately stout.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals, ovate, cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches long, and two and a
half in diameter : Form, obtuse pyramidal, full at the crown, blunt at
the stem, and little enlarged on one side : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish
gTeen, becoming lemon yellow when mature, beautifully mottled and
clouded with pale red in the sun, somewhat russeted around the crown,
and regularly covered with very large russet specks : Stem, rather short,
about half an inch long, stout, little knobby, straight, and obhquely
inserted in a scarcely perceptible cavity, surrounded with knobby projec-
tions : Eye, medium size, partially closed, and slightly depressed in a
broad, shallow basin ; segments of the calyx, very short : Flesh, yellow-
ish white, rather fine, melting, buttery and juicy : Flavor, rich, sprightly,
perfumed and excellent : Core, large : Seeds, medium size, obovate.
Ripe in September, and keeps two or three weeks.
130]
THE COGSWELL APPLE
pTUtts oF AmeTTca, Plate K"
Dratvn ProiaFdlure S- Citorao litk'^liY S&ai'p 8. Sof
THE COGSWELL APPLE.
Cogswell. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xv. p. 252.
Cogswell Pearmain, of Connecticut.
The Cogswell apple is of recent introduction to
general notice. We first became acquainted with it
from the beautiful specimens exhibited from time to
time, by Mr. J. A. Kenrick, nurseryman, of Newton,
Mass., before the Massachusetts Horticultm-al Soci-
ety. From their great beauty, they attracted much
attention, and were of such excellence as to merit a
premium, as one of the best winter apples. As late
as February, Mr. Kenrick has frequently exhibited
the Cogswell in great perfection, and our drawing was
made from one of his specimens. We need not commend the beauty
of this fruit, as that will be apparent to all. Highly colored specimens
greatly resemble the Hubbardston Nonsuch, but the fruit is a little flat-
ter, and, ordinarily, not so deeply striped.
At the time we described this apple in the Magazine of Horticulture,
in 1849, we could obtain no information of its origin, or trace it to any
original source. Mr. Kenrick could give no other account of it than
that the scions, which he grafted into an old tree, were given to him by
a friend who said that he obtained them from Attleboro', Mass., or
vicinity. This was twenty years ago. But since then, and quite re-
cently, we have learned that the Cogswell is a well known apple in the
vicinity of Brooklyn, Conn., and that some very old trees are growing
there, which produce abundantly. Indeed, our friend E. Newbury, Esq.,
of that town, kindly forwarded us, last winter, a barrel of the apples.
The Cogswell possesses all the characteristics of a fine fruit. The-
tree is a vigorous and upright grower, and comes into bearing much
eai'lier than most apples. It is a most abundant bearer, the branches
being loaded with its fruit, which hang in dense clusters. Its season of
maturity is early winter, but it may be kept as late as March. It is un-
doubtedly one of the most profitable apples in cultivation. The tree
forms a fine large roundish head.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, and rather upright; annual shoots,
rather long.
Wood. — Dark reddish chestnut, sprinkled with whitish specks, mod
[31]
COGSWELL APPLE.
erately stout, and rather short-jointed ; young wood, somewhat downy ;
old wood, dark brownish chestnut ; buds, medium size, roundish :
Flower-buds, good size.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish ovate, broadest neai' the base, nar-
rowing to the point, wavy, light green above, little downy beneath, and
finely and sharply serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one inch
long, moderately stout.
Floweks. — Medium size ; petals, roundish, cupped.
Feuit. — ^Large, about three and a quarter inches broad, and two and
a half deep : Form, roundish oblate, very regular, largest in the middle,
and little flattened at each end : Skin, fair, smooth, rich deep yellow,
nearly covered with very distinct and abrupt splashes, stripes and dots
of brilliant red, having a few large russet specks scattered over the sur-
face : Stem, short, slender, and moderately sunk in a very regular, open
cavity : Eye, medium size, nearly closed, and slightly depressed in a
very small shallow basin ; segments of the calyx, broad : Flesh, yellow-
ish, little coarse, crisp and tender : Juice, abundant, with an agreeable
admixture of sweet and acid, sprightly, high flavored and excellent :
Core, small, nearly closed : Seeds, medium size, angular, dark brown.
Kipe in January, and keeps till March.
[32]
1
THE S ECKEL PEAR
Frutts oF Amerrca , Plate N°
Dravni fromPfature & Chromo IctPi''^ 1)V W.Sfi^vp
THE SECKEL PfeAR.
Seckel. Coxe's View of the Cultivation of Fruit Trees, p. 189, pi. 25.
! According to Pomological Magazine.
SycLE,
Red Cheeked Seckle,
New York Red Cheek,
Seckle, of many authors and writers.
Shakspeare, of some French Collections.
The encomiums bestowed upon this — undoubtedly
as regards richness of flavor — best of all pears, have
been so numerous and so universal, both at home
and abroad, that it would be quite superfluous to
recapitulate them. The late Dr. Hossack, of New
York, sent trees of the Seckel to the London Hor-
ticultural Society in 1819, and, in 1820, the fruit
was exhibited from the garden of Mr. Braddick,
which was highly extolled for its exquisitely per-
fumed and luscious qualities, and it at once became
a most popular and extensively cultivated variety.
To our own cultivators it has been a familiar near since first described
by Mr. Coxe, in his valuable work published in 1817, and though com-
paratively so old a variety, it is to this day more sought after than any
other pear, unless we except the Bartlett, and is always one of the sorts
planted in the very smallest collection. If it had the size of the Bart-
lett, or, indeed, was a moderately large pear, it would challenge — as it
does now in the estimation of many — the world for a rival.
The Seckel is so named after the late Mr. Seckel, of Philadelphia, on
whose estate, near that city, the original tree was growing when Mr.
Coxe wrote his account of it. It is undoubtedly an accidental seedling,
believed to have sprung from a kernel of the Piousselet de Kheims,
partaking, as it does, of the high aroma of that variety, and greatly
resembling it in the wood, leaves, habit, &c. Its great excellence soon
became known to cultivators of the pear, and for many years it was the
only American variety considered worth growing. With the "White
Doyenne or Butter pear of Philadelphia, it was, until recently, the only
sort cultivated, to any extent, for the supply of the market of that city :
and notwithstanding the introduction of so many fine pears, well gi'own
specimens still command as high a price as any other variety of its season.
The Seckel is a very slow grower, making short stocky wood, and
forming, at mature age, only a low, compact, and broadly-pyramidal tree.
It is very tardy in coming into bearing, and does not succeed very well
upon the quince.
[33]
SEC K EL PEAR.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, erect, compact in its habit, and forming a
regular-shaped and fine head ; annual shoots very short, stout, and blunt
at the ends.
Wood. — Dark brownish olive, dotted with minute grayish specks,
short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, small, short, broad, erect,
and flattened : Flower-buds, medium size, bluntly ovate.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, nearly flat, smooth, thick, dark green,
finely and rather sharply serrated ; petioles, rather short, about one inch
in length, moderately stout.
Flowers. — Small, disposed in compact clusters; petals, tinged with
rose, obovate, cupped.
Fruit. — Small to medium, about two and a half inches long, and
two and a quarter in diameter : Form, roundish obovate, largest in the
middle, naiTowing to each end, with a small crown, and somewhat obtuse
at the stem : Skin, nearly smooth, of a clear light golden russet when
mature, with a ruddy cheek on the sunny side, and rather thickly dotted
with small grayish specks : Stem, short, about half an inch long, mode-
rately stout, and inserted in a very small contracted cavity, highest on
one side : Eye, partially closed, and set nearly even with the surface ;
segments-of the calyx, short, stifi", incurved, projecting: Flesh, yellow-
ish white, fine, melting, and exceedingly juicy : Flavor, sugary, rich,
and luscious, with a peculiar, spicy, aromatic perfume : Core, medium
size : Seeds, small, broadly ovate.
Ripe in September, and keeps three or four weeks.
[34]
^t^X^*-'
Prifcts of Aniercca, Plate F°
THE COLIINS PEAR.
Brawn From Ifature & Ciiromo lith'^ by- W. Sharp.
THE COLLINS PEAR.
Collins. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvii. p. 256.
Watertown, of some Collections.
The Collins is one of the most recent additions to
our list of American pears ; and has not, we believe,
yet fruited anyAvhere except upon tlie original tree :
but though so entirely new, and only proved from one
locality, we think there can be but little doubt it will
take its rank among the very best of our native vari-
eties. In size, it is larger than the Wliite Doyenne,
(or St. Michael,) which it otherwise greatly resembles,
being generally like it in form, the color of its skin,
and texture of the flesh; but is a much more vinoub
pear, and its flavor, though not perhaps quite so rich
and sugary, is brisk and more refreshing, somewhat like the Marie
Louise.
The Collins pear originated in Watertown, Mass., in the garden now
owned by Mr. Norris Collins, and specimens were first exhibited before
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1(848. They attracted, and
deservedly, much attention from the fruit committee. Mr. A. Pike,
nurseryman, was the first to discover the merits of this variety, and
he exhibited the first specimens : he also presented us with a number of
the pears, which we thought had the promise of great excellence ; and
subsequent trials of the fruit every year up to this time have more than
confirmed our first impressions of it. Taking into consideration all its
qualities, it is a great acquisition to our list of fine autumn pears.
It is supposed to be a seedhng of the White Doyenne, which sprung
up accidentally where the tree is now growing, there being no other
variety in the immediate vicinity. It first began to bear in 1839 or 40 ;
since then it has fruited every year, proving it to be a constant bearer,
as well as a most productive variety. The original tree appears about
twenty-five years old, is about thirty feet high, and pyramidally formed,
the branches being weighed down by the mass of fruit which it has
repeatedly produced. The tree is a moderate grower. Whether it will
succeed on the quince stock has not yet been fully tested.
Tkee. — Moderately vigorous, upright, of tolerably regular form, with
rather slender annual shoots.
[35]
COLLINS PEAR.
Wood. — Reddish brown, dotted with grayish specks, rather slender
and short-jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ; buds, medium size, ovate,
diverging : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, roundish-ovate, narrowing most to the point,
light green, slightly folded inwards, little recurved on the midrib, and
obtusely serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one inch long, and
moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size; petals, roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about two and three quarters of an inch long, and
two and three quarters of an inch in diameter : Form, obovate, regular,
full and broad at the crown, tapering roundly to the stem end, which is
obtuse : Skin, fair, nearly smooth, yellowish green, mottled with dull
red on the sunny side, somewhat clouded with grayish spots, little traced
with russet, and regularly dotted with russet specks : Stem, medium
length, about one inch long,' stout, curved, little swollen at the base, and
obliquely inserted without any cavity : Eye, large, open, and a little
sunk in a broad, open, somewhat funnel-shaped basin ; segments of the
calyx, short, stiff, and sHghtly reflexed : Flesh, white, fine, buttery,
melting and juicy : Flavor, sprightly, vinous, and rich, with a slight
perfume : Core, large : Seeds, small, roundish- obovate, broad.
Ripe in September, and keeps well for three or four weeks.
[36]
THE" MARIE LOUISE PEAE_.
Fnrtts of America.PIat-e If^"'
Drawn from Nahire Sc Chromo litli'^ Lj- F "Sharp.
THE MARIE LOUISE PEAR.
Marie Louise. Pomological Magazine, vol. iii. pi. 122.
Forme de Marie Louise, "\
Marie Chretienne, . ,. , ,, ti . • j h^
Princess de Parme', According to the Ponwlogical Magazine.
Braddick's Field Marshal, J
Maria, Thompson, in Gard. Chronicle, 1846.
The Marie Louise has long been known as one
of our very finest autumn pears. As long ago as
]81G, Dr. Van Mons sent specimens to the Lon-
don Horticultural Society, with other Belgian kinds,
// which attracted great attention, and so highly es-
tablished the reputation of the continental pears,
that some enthusiastic cultivators made especial
visits to Dr. Van Mons, and otlier amateurs, to
procure the identical varieties. The late Mr.
Braddick, near London, obtained a great number
of sorts at three several visits, and liberally distributed scions among
the London nurserymen, who soon propagated them, and offered them
for sale. Li LS20, the Marie Louise first fruited in England, and an
account of it, with a beautiful drawing of the fruit, appeared in the
Transactions of the London Horticultural Society. It is undoubtedly
one of the choicest sorts we possess, being of large size, often measuring
five inches in length, maturing at a good season, keeping well, with
an unusually melting flesh, and of the most refreshing, delicious flavor.
The Marie Louise was raised by the Abbe Duquesne, of Brussels, in
1809, though its origin is often attributed to Van Mons. Mr. Knight
first sent scions of it to this country in 1823, and, through Mr. Lowell,
it was disseminated among our cultivators. It is a very hardy, vigorous,
and rapid growing tree, though exceedingly ill-shaped while young, and
only brought into good form by careful pruning and training. The
annual shoots are often twisted and contorted, growing sideways, down-
wards, curved, and, indeed, in all directions, — a character so constant
that it can always be detected among all the trees in the nurseiy. When
once it arrives at a bearing state, its disposition to make crooked shoots
is checked, and it assumes a better form. It does not succeed well
upon the quince.
Tree. — Vigorous, with curved and twisted branches when young, but
making a large and Spreading head ; annual shoots, long and stout.
[37]
MARIE LOUISE PEAR.
Wood. — Clear deep olive, thickly dotted with very large, conspicuous
grayish specks, stout, and rather short-jointed; old wood, very dark
gray olive ; buds, large, sharply pointed, diverging, with very prominent
shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, acuminate, nearly flat, thick, deep
green, wavy, and sharply but not deeply serrated : petioles, very long,
about one and a half inches in length, rather slender.
Flowers. — Large ; petals, obovate ; claw, long.
Fruit. — Large, about four inches long, and three in diameter : Form,
oblong, largest about the middle, narrowing to each end, swollen on one
side, and obhque at the crown: Skin, fair, smooth, thin, pale green,
becoming of a fine yellow when mature, occasionally marbled with red in
the sun, often much russeted, and sprinkled with green and russet
specks: Stem, long, about one and a half inches in length, moderately
stout, curved, and obliquely inserted, without any cavity, under a swollen
lip : Eye, medium size, partially closed, and moderately sunk in a small
and much furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx, long, stiff, diverging :
Flesh, yellowish white, fine, melting, buttery, and exceedingly juicy :
Flavor, rich, saccharine, vinous, perfumed, and delicious : Core, medium
size : Seeds, medium size, long, pointed, dark brown.
PtiPE in October, and keeps well through November.
[38]
THE ZAWLET APPLll
Friftts of America, Ptate K?
Drawn From Fafiire S; CRromo iTtfi^ty- Vf. lUarp.
THE HAWLEY APPLE.
Hawley. Magazine of Horticulture, yoI. xiii. p. 535.
Dows or Douse of some American Collections.
The Hawley apple, though yet but little known
out of its native locality, will undoubtedly become
one of the most popular of our fall varieties. It
has a combination of excellent qualities : first, its
large size, often measuring twelve inches in cir-
cumference ; second, its uniform handsome shape,
and freedom from specks or blemishes ; third, its
fine deep lemon yellow skin; fourth, its remark-
ably tender and high flavored flesh ; and, lastly,
its productiveness, vigorous growth, &c. All
these properties are rarely possessed by a single kind, and hence its
superiority over many others.
This fine apple was introduced to notice by Gen. E. W. Leavenworth,
of Syracuse, N. Y. In the fall of 1846, he sent us some remarkably
fine specimens of the fruit, with an account of its origin. From his
letter it appears that, about a century ago, Mr. Matthew Hawley removed
from Milford, Conn., to New Canaan, in Columbia Co., N. Y., and, as
usual with every settler at that time, took with him a lot of apple seeds,
from which he raised and planted an orchard of seedling trees on his
farm in that place. The Hawley was one of these seedhng trees. The
farm afterwards passed into the hands of his son Daniel, and was, in
1846, owned by Thomas Hawley, the son of Daniel. For about forty
years, it has been well known and cultivated in the neighborhood of its
locality, as well as by eminent orchardists in Onondaga and Cayuga
counties. The original tree has been dead about twenty years. Scions
were obtained from it by the uncles of Mr. Leavenworth, through whom
he became acquainted with this apple, and generally made known its
excellence.
The tree is a good grower, forms a fine round and rather loose head,
and bears abundant crops. Its season is the last of September, just
before the Fall Pippin, which it somewhat resembles in shape and gen-
eral appearance.
Tree. — ^Vigorous, upright, somewhat spreading, branching low, and
forming a handsome head ; annual shoots rather slender.
[39]
HAWLEY APPLE.
Wood. — Clear reddish chestnut, dotted with minute grayish specks,
rather slender, short-jointed, and very downy at the ends ; old wood,
'light chestnut brown ; buds, small, short, broad, and flattened.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong-ovate, thin, with prominent nerves,
downy beneath, wavy, and finely and very sharply serrated; petioles,
rather short, half an inch long, moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches broad, and three deep :
Form, roundish, rather broad, flattened, somewhat ribbed at the
base, and narrowing little towards the crown : Skin, fair, smooth, with
an oily touch, pale green, becoming of a rich lemon yellow when mature,
and covered with small scattered russet specks : Stem, medium length,
about three quarters of an inch long, straight, rather slender, and
inserted in a deep, broad, and uneven cavity : Eye, medium size, nearly
closed, and moderately sunk in a small, slightly furrowed basin : Flesli,
yellow, fine, soft, and very tender : Juice, abundant, pleasantly acid,
rich, brisk, high flavored, and excellent: Core, large, nearly closed:
Seeds, medium size, broad.
Eipe in September, and in eating through October.
[40]
THl'^ MANNJl^iJS ELIZABETH PEAE.
FncrLs of iracnca, PUite N"
Ijrawri frnm Kature S C'hrumo Itlfi''^ bv W. I^lifli'P -
THE MANNING'S ELIZABETH PEAR.
Manning's Elizabeth. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. viii. p. 57. •
158 Van MoNs, Magazine of Horticulture, vol. viii.
Elizabeth, Van Mons, Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xiii.
Neaely twenty-five years have elapsed since Dr.
Van Mons sent to the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society two collections of pear scions, both of which,
in successive years, were unfortunately lost on the
way. Deprived thus of securing the choice seed-
lings, the fruits of his labors for many years, Messrs.
Kenrick, Manning and Dearborn, in 1834,sohcited
Van Mons to send another collection, with the hope
of better success in their transportation. Fortu-
nately, in the spring of 1835, these arrived safely
at their destination, and in such good order that
more than half of them were saved. In the spring of 1836 another
package came to hand, and, though delayed on its way, many addi-
tional sorts were secured. These two collections embraced nearly one
hundred and fifty named varieties, and upwards of one hundred unnamed
or numbered kinds, the latter wholly seedlings, and designated under
the numbers by which they were known in Dr. Van Mons's nursery at
Louvain, the original trees of which were soon after removed or de-
stroyed, leaving their entire possession in the hands of Messrs. Kenrick
and Manning.
The Elizabeth was one of these numbered varieties, (No. 158.) Dr.
Van Mons kindly gave Mr. Manning permission to name any of them
which might prove worthy of cultivation ; and in accordance with his
wishes Mr. Manning described and named it in the Magazine of Horti-
culture, (vol. viii. p. 57,) as the Elizabeth, Van Mons. Subsequently we
described it more fully under the same name, accompanied with an out-
line of the fruit ; but as commendatory of the zealous labors of Mr. Man-
ning in the introduction and dissemination of various pears, it has more
recently been called Manning's Ehzabeth, a name well deserved, and one
which we are happy to aid in disseminating.
The Elizabeth is a very fine early pear ; remarkably beautiful, with a
deep yellow skin and a bright red cheek. Often it is peculiarly marked ;
when about two-thirds of its size, one half of the pear, — the blossom
end, — in most of the specimens, assumes a thick russet covering, which
usually terminates in a complete circle around the middle of the fruit,
[41]
MANNING'S ELIZABETH PEAR.
and it generally retains this color, even at maturity. It is a most pro-
fuse bearer, being literally loaded with pears : it succeeds well upon the
quince, and comes into bearing early.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, with rather spreading branches, horizontal
at first, but which turn upward with a gentle curve ; annual shoots,
long and moderately stout.
Wood. — Deep reddish brown, dotted with a few grayish specks, mod-
erately stout, and rather short-jointed ; old wood, light brown ; buds,
medium size, ovate, bluntly pointed, diverging : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, tapering to the point, yellowish green,
wavy, and entire at the edge ; petioles, medium length, about one and
a half inches long, moderately stout.
Flowers. — ^Medium size ; petals, roundish ; clusters, compact.
Fruit. — Small, about two inches long, and two in diameter : Form,
obovate, very full around the crown, tapering to, and ending obtusely at,
the stem : Skin, fair, little rough, rich lemon yellow, brilliantly suffused
with crimson on the sunny side, through which appears deeper
colored specks, becoming paler in the shade, the end next the crown
often covered with thick russet: Stem, medium length, about three
quarters of an inch long, rather slender, and slightly inserted in a shal-
low cavity : Eye, small, open, and little sunk in an open, shallow basin ;
segments of the calyx, short: Flesh, yellowish, coarse, melting and
juicy : Flavor, sugary, rich, and pleasantly perfumed : Core, large :
Seeds, rather large, brown.
Ripe from the middle to the last of August.
[42J
THE BEUREE STEBKMAli PEAE
Fruits of America PUte N°
Di-aiynfroinNatursS UfifoTiio Lirti^ByW
ii _y
THE BEURRE^ STERCKMAN PEAR.
Beuere' Stekckman. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xix. p. 199.
The Beurre Sterckman is one of the finest pears
of recent introduction to our collections, and promises
to become a very popular variety. It is also one of the
few, among the great number of sorts which have been
yearly imported, which has proved worthy of a place
among our best pears, and illustrates the importance
of testing every foreign variety; for if one out of
every twenty comes up to the standard of the Beurre
Sterckman, all the expense of their introduction and
subsequent culture, is amply repaid in the addition
of such a superior fruit. It has been urged, by some
cultivators, that we already have too large a variety of pears, and that- it
is a waste of time to test the great number that are yearly brought to
notice. But we must dissent from this opinion ; for, if this course had
been followed the last ten years, we should now be deprived of some of
the choicest kinds in cultivation. The Beurre Clairgeau, Grand Soliel,
Poire d'Albret, Doyenne du Cornice, and many others, would have re-
mained unknown to our pomologists, only in foreign catalogues.
The Beurre Sterckman is a Belgian pear, and is put down in the
Belgian Catalogues as a seedling of Van Mens, probably found in his
extensive collection, after his death. In the absence of any authentic
work, describing the newer pears, we are unable to learn anything more
than this in regard to it. We first received it of M. Jamin, of Paris, in
1848. It is yet a rare variety, and has fruited in but few American
collections. In general appearance it resembles the Gray Doyenne,
having the same russet skin which distinguishes that pear. It is, how-
ever, a superior fruit, possessing a more melting flesh, with a sprightly
and luscious aroma. It is an abundant bearer.
The Beurre Sterckman is a healthy and vigorous growing tree, making
strong and stout wood, and but few lateral branches. It matures its
fruit at a good season, and keeps well after being gathered from the tree.
The tree comes into bearing rather early, and promises to be one of the
few varieties that grow freely on the quince; our largest tree, and the
one fi^om which our drawing is made, being now eight or nine feet high.
The Beurre Hardy, of some French collections, appears to be the
same pear; but as we have not yet fruited it, we do not add it as a
svnonym.
-' '' [43]
BEURRE' STERCKMAN PEAR.
Tree. Vigorous, making short, stocky wood, with but few lateral
shoots, erect, aiid shghtly irregular in its habit.
^ooD. Clear olive brown, dotted with minute grayish specks, stout,
short-jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ; buds, medium size, rather long,
erect, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, large, obtusely pointed.
Leaves. Large, oblong, broadest about the middle, thick, dark dull
green, glossy, recurved on the midrib, wavy, little folded inwards, and
entire on the edge : Petioles, rather long, about one and a half inches
in length, very stout, recurved.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, slightly cupped.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches long, and two and a half in
diameter : Form, obovate, or long obovate, very regular, large and full
at the crown, narrowing little to the stem end, which is very obtuse :
Skin, smooth, clear cinnamon russet, deepening to a reddish shade on
the sunny side, and dotted with dark russet specks : Stem, short, about
half an inch long, stout, and obhquely inserted in a small shallow cavity,
highest on one side : Eye, medium size, open, and little depressed in a
small, smoothly-formed basin; segments of the calyx, short, sharply
pointed, broad, projecting: Flesh, yellowish, rather coarse, buttery,
melting and juicy : Flavor, very rich, sprightly and dehcious, with a fine
aroma: Core, medium size: Seeds, medium size, angular, very dark.
Ripe in October and November, and keeps well.
[44]
THE SAim GHIoLAm ?EAX
Prutts or AiiiBrccfl.PIahc ¥°
Drawn Prom Nature R Cln-umu ulu'^- tv" ^' Stiarp
THE SAINT GHISLAIN PEAR.
Saint Ghislain. London Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 2d Ed. 1832.
The Saint Ghislain pear was jSrst introduced to our
collections by the late Saml. G. Perkins, Esq. of Brook-
Hne, who fruited it several years ago, and repeatedly
exhibited specimens before the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society. He praised it highly, and recom-
mended it to amateur cultivators • as one of the best
of our autumn pears. It is unnecessary to say it fully
sustains the reputation it acquired while in Mr. Per-
kins's collection. It is not a large pear, being about
the size, and of the general appearance, of the Tyson or
Capiaumont, but it is an exceedingly melting, rich and
high flavored fruit, and as beautiful as it is excellent, having a remarka-
bly fair and golden yellow skin.
Besides the brief description of it in the Catalogue of the London
Horticultural Society, above quoted, we cannot find any account of it in
any accessible work, except in Mr. Kenrick's American Orchardist, where
its origin is attributed to M. Dorlain, of Belgium. Mr. Perkins imported
his tree from France, and we believe we are correct when we state that
all the trees now cultivated here have originated from that source. It
does not appear to be much known among the French nurserymen.
When it was raised from seed, or how long it has been in cultivation,
we have been unable to learn.
The Saint Ghislain is a rapid though somewhat slender growing tree
in the nursery, making very upright shoots, and attaining, when of
full size, the prim appearance of a Lombardy poplar. It is not an early
bearer, the trees showing but little disposition to form flower buds until
they have arrived at a good size : it then produces abundantly. It
does not grow very freely upon the quince. On the thorn, however, it
thrives exceedingly well, and Mr. A. Lackey, a fruit cultivator of Mai'ble-
head, Mass., has shown, successively, for four or five years, at the
exhibitions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the most beauti-
ful specimens raised on that stock, and our drawing is made from one
of his pears. Whether it will be any object to cultivate it on the thorn
remains to be seen ; we only mention it to show what it has already
done.
[40]
SAINT GHISLAIN PEAR.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, veiy erect in its growth, forming a reg-
ular and handsome pjTamid ; annual shoots, long, straight, and rather
slender.
"W^ooD. — Light ohve brown, dotted with minute grayish specks, rather
slender; old wood, gi'ayish olive; buds, medium size, long, nearly
erect, with moderately sized shoulders: Flower-buds, medium size,
ovate, pointed.
Lea^^es. — Small, naiTOw, ovate, thin, dark gi-een, httle recurved on
the midrib, folded inwards on the sides, and finely and shai-ply serrated ;
petioles, long, one to one and a half inches in length, slender.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals cupped.
Fkuit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches long, and two
inches in diameter : Form, pyramidal, lai'gest at the crown, regularly
tapering into the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, pale yellow when mature,
tinc^ed with bright red in the sun, the whole surface covered with rus-
sety specks, darkest and thickest where exposed : Stem, long, about
one and a half inches in length, slender, smooth, curved, fleshy, and
wrinkled at its junction with the fruit, and forced into an obhque direc-
tion by a slight protuberance on one side : Eye, small, open, and rather
deeply set in a round basin ; segments of the calyx, long and pointed :
Flesh, yellowish white, fine, buttery, melting, and juicy: Flavor, rich,
sprightly, and refreshing, with a dehcious perfume : Core, small : Seeds.
medium size, roundish, hght brown.
Ripe the middle of September and keeps into October.
[46]
TBI. M'^ LATTGHLITf PL1L¥.
fi-uiCs ciFAmtrrra fl^le N"
Diawf. fr(im Nature 8 CAi'onio Iith"^ by 'A'. :')ti;ii7i_
THE McLaughlin plum.
McLaughlin, Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvi. p. 456.
Among all the numerous varieties of plums that have been produced
by American cultivators, the McLaughlin must claim the most prominent
place. It is not as large as the Washington, or as beautiful as the
Jefferson, but in its rich and luscious flavor it surpasses either of them,
and comes nearer to that standard of excellence among plums, — the
Green Gage, — than any other variety ; in the opinion of many, being
quite equal to it, and in some respects a more valuable one for general
cultivation. The Green Gage is at the best but an indifferent growing
tree, very irregular in its habit, hardly, indeed, more than a shrub, and
on this account is objected to by many who hke fine standard trees.
The McLaughlin is as vigorous as the Washington ; the fruit is larger
than the Green Gage, and it does not appear to be so likely to crack,
in unfavorable seasons, as that old variety.
The McLaughlin was raised from seed by Mr. James McLaughlin, of
Bangor, Me., and first fruited about ten years ago. Specimens of the
fruit were first sent to us in 1846, and through the kindness of Mr,
McLaughlin, we were favored with a few of the scions from the original
tree ; these we grafted into vigorous stocks, and in a year or two had
the pleasure of seeing the fruit. We found it quite equal to that sent
us by Mr. McLaughlin, and it has continued to sustain the highest rank
among the numerous sorts that have been introduced from abroad, or
have been raised by our cultivators at home. Specimens of the fruit
have been repeatedly exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society, by B. F. Nourse, Esq., of Bangor, both from his own and Mr.
McLaughlin's trees, and they have invariably proved excellent.
From what variety the McLaughlin originated we have no knowledge,
nor are we aware that Mr. McLaughlin himself can tell. The tree
appears too vigorous to have been raised from the Green Gage, and we
should judge from the character of the wood, &c., that it might have
sprung from the Washington or Imperial Gage, accidentally fertilized
with the Green Gage, from which parent it probably derived its luscious
quahties.
The McLaughlin is a very vigorous growing tree, quite equal in this
respect to the Washington, often making annual shoots six feet in
length ; when full grown it forms a round, spreading, regular apple-tree
[47]
McLaughlin plum.
shaped head. Notwithstanding its vigor it comes into hearing mod-
erately early, and is a remarkably productive variety.
Xkee. — ^Vigorous, npright, forming a fine rounded head; annual
shoots, stout, strong, and nearly erect.
Wood. — Dark brownish violet, partially covered with a grayish epi-
dermis, smooth, stout, and very short-jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ;
buds, large, long, tapering regularly to the point, erect, with remarkably
prominent shoulders.
Leaves.— Large, roundish-ovate, dull dark green above, pale be-
neath, broadest in the middle, shortly pointed, strongly nerved, and
obtusely serrated; petioles, short, about half an inch long, stout,
reddish.
Flowers. — Medium size ; stamens and style nearly equal in length.
fj^uiT. — Large, about one and three-quarters inches broad, and one
and five-eighths long : Form, roundish, regular, similar to the Green
Gage, but depressed at each end, rather more broad than long; suture,
shallow, with an indented apex : Skin, fair, green, becoming yellowish
when ripe, mottled and dotted with brownish red and crimson around
the base, and covered with a thin whitish bloom : Stem, short, about
half an inch long, stout, and inserted in a very small cavity, without
depression : Flesh, yellow, thick, very melting, and adhering to the
stone : Juice, abundant, rich, sugary, and perfectly luscious : Stone,
small, roundish ovate, obtusely pointed, nearly smooth.
Ripe the last of August and beginning of'September.
[481
#
Frtrilr. 'jf Amerce a.
:^iiT: cuuLiuGEo pyuruT^iTt; peach
Li'cawn rroniNalur-e 6- CFi^'omo IvJa'^ by Vr Shar;.
THE COOLIDGE'S FAVORITE PEACH.
Coolidge's Favorite. Kenrick's American Orclmrdist, 1st Ed.
One of the oldest, if not the best, of our numerous American
seedhng peaches is the Coohdge's Favorite. It has long been in
cultivation around Boston, in the neighborhood of which city it
originated ; and more recently it has found its way into all parts of
the country, proving, wherever grown, one of the richest of its class,
quite equal to the Grosse Mignonne, — to which it appears allied, — the
acknowledged standard of European peaches. In general appearance
it resembles the latter variety; but it is scarcely so dark and richly
colored, and is rather more depressed in form; it also ripens a few
days sooner.
This superior peach was raised by the late Mr. Joshua Coohdge, of
Watertown, Mass., upwards of thirty years ago, though we cannot
ascertain the exact period. Mr. W. Kenrick first described it in his
work, above quoted, and also disseminated it extensively from his nursery,
at Newton. No collection of any extent, in New England, is consid-
ered complete without it; it is a hardy and vigorous tree, a most
extraordinary bearer, and the fruit, which is remai'kably beautiful,
possesses a rich, vinous, and refreshing flavor, not surpassed by any
other peach.
Coolidge's Favorite is an early variety, ripening usually about the
twenty-fifth of August, or between that and September first, just after the
Early Anne and Early York, and a few days before the Early Crawford.
It also possesses the good quality of forcing well, and is, in conse-
quence, admirably adapted for peach houses, or for forcing in pots,
for which purpose it is exceedingly popular. As a market frait, it
always commands a ready sale, and if fine specimens, a high price.
Leaves. — Medium size, crenate, with globose glands.
Flowers. — Small, pale red.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a half inches broad, and two
and a quarter deep : Form, roundish, with a shallow suture extending
to the apex, one side a little larger than the other ; cavity at the base
small and deep : Skin, very fair, pale yellowish white in the shade,
with a brilliant coloring of deep red in the sun, somewhat marbled,
with minute crimson dots extending to the shady side : Flesh, yel-
[49]
COOLIDGE'S FAVORITE PEACH
lowish white, veiy melting, and slightly rayed with red at the stone,
from which it separates freely : Juice, abundant, rich, sweet and high
flavored : Stone, small, ovate, and slightly frurowed.
PiiPE the last of August and beginning of September.
[50]
TSE BHANDYWINE PEAR
Trurts uF Am er tea, Plate K^
Drawn From JiatuFe S Ckromo IctR''" BfW" Sharp
THE BRANDYWINE PEAR.
Beandy^vine. Horticulturist, vol. iii. 1848.
The Brandywine is one of the most recently
introduced of our American pears, and was first
brought to the notice of Pomologists by Dr.
Brinckle, of Philadelphia. Specimens of the fruit
received from him were first exhibited before the
Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1848, which
attracted much attention, and were thought re-
markably fine. In 1853, we had the gratification
of presenting the fruit from our own collection,
which was pronounced, by all who tried it, fully
equal to any pear of its season.
The quahties of the Brandywine are pecuharly its own, and cannot
well be compared with any other variety: its flesh is shghtly firm,
yet perfectly melting ; and its flavor, without being highly aromatized,
appears to be a concentration of that of several sorts, being almost as
sugary as the Seckel, yet reheved by the refreshing juice of the Marie
Louise, and the "champagne" smack of the Beurre dAremberg.
The Brand}^ine is a native of Chaddsford, Delaware County, Penn-
sylvania. The original tree was found near a fence on the farm of
the late Eli Harvey, and was transplanted into the garden of Mr. Geo.
Brinton, of that place. The garden is on the banks of the Brandy-
wine River, and is a part of the grounds occupied by the American
army, who defended our country in the battle of Brandywine. It was,
therefore, very appropriately named the Brandywine Pear. The original
tree began to bear fruit as long ago as 1820, but in 1835 it blew down
near the surface of the ground. The present tree is a sucker from the
original, and began to bear again in 1844. This fact accounts for its
not sooner having become known to cultivators. Previous to 1835,
when the old tree blew down, very little interest was felt in regard
to our native pears ; now, however, that interest is universal, and no
sooner had the young tree, which sprang from the ruins of the old one,
come into bearing, than its merits were made known to cultivators.
The tree is a vigorous grower, with a handsome pyramidal habit,
approaching to the Bufi'um, though with much more slender wood.
It seems to come into bearing rather early. Whether it will succeed
on the quince remains yet to be tested.
Thee.— Moderately vigorous, and veiy erect in its growth, forming a
rather compact pyramidal head ; annual shoots rather slender, medium
length.
^ [51]
BRANDY WINE PEAR.
Wood. — Light olive, dotted with round grayish specks, rather slender
and very short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, medium size,
ovate, diverging : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Small, long ovate, narrow, tapering to a long point, smooth,
dark green, glossy, much waved, recurved a little on the midrib, and
sliohtly serrated ; petioles, long, about one and a half inches in length.
Flowers. — Small ; petals round, cupped ; clusters compact.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two inches and three quarters long, and
two and a half in diameter : Form, pyramidal, or somewhat bell-
shaped, slightly irregular, full at the crown, which is little oblique, and
rather suddenly contracted near the stem, occasionally with an elongated
neck : Skin, slightly rough, yellowish green in the shade, russeted
around the crown, boldly tinged with bright red in the sun, and thickly
covered with large russety specks : Stem, rather long, about one and
a half inches in length, moderately stout, shghtly cmwed, and generally
obliquely attached, without any cavity, by a somewhat fleshy and
wrinkled base : Eye, large, open, and but little depressed in a small,
roundish, furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx, short, stiff, entire,
projecting : Flesh, yellowish white, coarse, melting and very juicy : Flavor,
rich, brisk, vinous and delicious, with a fine aroma : Core, medium size :
Seeds, small, dark brown.
Ripe the last of August, and in eating some time.
[62 J
THE HEMTEL PEATl
ItixtIs oFAmeriea, Plate N°
Drawn from JTature & Ck'omo liih.^ljVf.SkhTp
THE HENKEL PEAR.
Henkel. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xiii. 1847.
The Henkel is another of the fine pears introduced
as long ago as 1835 or 1836, by Messrs. Kenrick and
Manning, who received scions of it, with other sorts,
from Dr. Van Mons, of which we have already made
mention in our first volume ; and it appears to be
wholly confined to American collections. True, there
is a Henkel d'hiver, in the French and Belgian cata-
logues, of recent date ; but as that is a winter pear,
it cannot be referred to our Henkel. It may, how-
ever, come up hereafter under a new name ; for all
the fine seedlings remaining in Van Mons's nursery,
at his death, are being introduced as rapidly as they show their fruit.
The Henkel is also another of the new pears which has rapidly
improved upon acquaintance and under good cultivation. Mr. Man-
ning, the younger, first sent us specimens of it from his extensive
collection, in 1846, from which we gave an engraving as above quoted;
the same outline we now introduce on the next page, as it gives the
true shape of this variety ; but our colored plate is an exact represen-
tation of the size, form and beauty of one of a number of specimens
produced on our own trees in 1853 ; being, indeed, a very showy pear,
and as remarkable for its excellence as for its other qualities, comparing
favorably with any vaiiety of its season.
Of its origin we have no other information than that it was sent here
by Dr. Van Mons, and is, undoubtedly, one of his numerous seedlings.
Although the scions were received in 1835 or 1836, it probably did not
fruit dming the life-time of the late Mr. Manning, as it was never men-
tioned by him among more than four hundred pears, which he, from
time to time, described in the Magazine of Horticulture. It is rather
late in coming into bearing, and this accounts for the long period
which elapsed before it was brought to the notice of cultivators.
The tree is a vigorous grower, with a very erect or fastigiate habit,
similar to the Buflfum, and with a very marked pecuharity of fohage and
growth. We have had no experience with it upon the quince, and can-
not say whether it is one of the sorts which will succeed on that stock
or not.
Tree. — Vigorous, with a very erect pyramidal habit, making stout,
straight, annual shoots.
[63]
HENKEL PEAR.
Wood. — Clear olive, dotted with large grayish specks, rather long-
jointed, stout ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, large, ovate, pointed,
nearly erect, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves, — Medium size, oblong ovate, narrowing to each end, thin,
dark green, slightly recurved on the mid-rib, folded inwards on the sides
and shghtly and obtusely serrated ; petioles very long, from two to two
and a half inches in length, stout.
Flo WEES. — Medium size ; petals roundish, cupped.
Feuit. — Large, about three inches long, and three and a quarter in
diameter: Form, obovate, slightly uneven on the surface, broad at the
crown, and obtuse at the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, lemon yellow, more
or less covered with small patches of russet, interspersed with dull
green specks and dotted with russet : Stem, very long, about two inches
in length, stout, usually having two bud-like prominences on each side,
curved, and slightly inserted in a small contracted cavity : Eye, medium
size, open, and slightly sunk in a very shallow, uneven basin ; segments
of the calyx short and round : Flesh, yellowish white, rather coarse,
melting, and exceedingly juicy : Flavor, rich, sprightly, vinous, perfumed
and dehcious : Core, medium size : Seeds, large, broad and deep brown.
Ripe in September, and keeps two or three weeks.
[54]
THE TPJUMPHLE JOBOIGSE PI^AP.
Prints of America, Plate N"
Bvawn from. iMatm'e & [/firoiiio UlFi''' I'l' 1^ 'i'liav|j
THE TRIUMPH DE JODOIGNE PEAR.
Tkiumph de Jodoigne. Bon Jardinier, 1848.
The Triumph de Jodoigne is a new and com-
paratively very little known pear. It fruited here,
we believe, for the first time, in our collection,
in 1848. Its introduction was preceded by a
high reputation, and we think we may say its
qualities have not disappointed the expectations
of cultivators. It is as large as the Beurre Biel,
which it somewhat resembles in shape, but it is
ripe and nearly gone before that sort is mature.
It is a very handsome and showy fruit, having a
fine, ruddy crimson cheek, blotched, and very
conspicuously dotted with russet.
The Bon Jardinier, in which we find the earliest account of this pear,
states that it was raised by the late M. Bouvier, a well-known amateur
pomologist, who resided at Jodoigne, in Belgium, and who has originated
several fine varieties. It was first offered for sale in the French nur-
series, in 1844 or 1845, at which time we received our trees from M.
Jamin, of Paris.
The Triumph de Jodoigne is a very vigorous growing tree, in this
respect approaching to the character of the BemTe Diel, as its fruit also
resembles that pear. The fohage is broad, rich and glossy, and the
fruit is produced in clusters of three or four each. It succeeds well
upon the quince, and is one of the sorts which make a vigorous pyramid
on that stock. It is rather late in coming into bearing on the pear.
Teee. — ^Vigorous, with a somewhat spreading, irregular habit, and
requiring careful pruning to form a symmetrical head; annual shoots
very stout.
Wood. — Brownish olive, thickly dotted with round grayish specks,
very strong, stout, and short-jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ; buds,
large, broad, rather short, pointed, shghtly diverging, with prominent
shoulders : Flower-buds, large.
Lea\^s. — Lai'ge, broadly ovate, narrowing to each end, thick, very
deep green, glossy, finely nerv^ed, wavy, and nearly entire on the edge ;
petioles, medium length, about one inch long, stout, reddish.
Flowees. — Large ; petals, large, ovate ; clusters, compact.
[55]
TRIUMPH DE JODOIGNE PEAR.
Fruit. — Lai'ge, about four inches long, and three and a hah in diam-
eter : Form, oblong obovate, little irregular, with a large swollen crown,
contracted slightly in the middle, and obtuse at the stem : Skin, fair,
slightly rough, dull greenish yellow, much russeted in spots and
splashes, deeply tinged with bronzy red in the sun, and conspicuously
dotted over with very large russety specks : Stem, medium length,
about three inches long, moderately stout, curved, and obhquely inserted
in a small, shallow cavity, highest on one side : Eye, medium size, open,
and but little depressed in a small basin ; segments of the calyx, short,
stiff: Flesh, yellowish white, coarse, melting, and juicy: Flavor, rich,
sugary, sprightly, and agreeably perfumed : Core, medium size : Seeds,
small, long, sharply-pointed, and dark.
Ripe in November, and in eating two or three weeks.
[56]
<^
4»
THE JACQUES PEACH.
Jniits oF ATn.eri;ca,Ptate fr°
Drawn from Mature & Cliromo Tttfi'^ W W. Sfiarp
THE JACQUES PEACH.
Jacques. American Orchardist.
Jacques' Yellow Rareripe, Anwrican OrcJiardist, 1st Ed.
Jacques' Rareripe, Piince' s Pomological Maniud.
The Jacques is a well known and extensively cultivated variety in
the vicinity of Boston, and throughout Massachusetts. Previous to
the introduction of the Early Crawford, it was considered the largest
and finest yellow peach. It still holds a high place in the estimation of
peach growers, producing as it does, under good treatment, beautiful
specimens ten to twelve inches in circumference. Mr. Prince states in
his Pomological Manual, that specimens have been raised weighing six-
teen to seventeen ounces each.
Its origin or introduction is attributed to Col. Jacques, of Somerville,
Mass., though we have no authentic information on this point. It was
first described by Mr. Kenrick, under the name of Jacques' Yellow
Rareripe ; but in the subsequent edition of his work, he called it simply
the Jacques, a preferable name, and the one under which it is now
cultivated.
The Jacques is, as we have said, a very large peach, — as large, or
larger, than the Crawford ; it is also very handsome, with a deep yellow
skin, and a brightly tinted red cheek, with only a moderately downy
surface. Its juice is very abundant, rich and deHcious.
The tree is a good grower, with moderately stout reddish shoots, and
a rather spreading habit. It appears unusually hardy, and produces
fine crops. It ripens a week or so after the Early Crawford.
Leaves. — Medium size, crenate, with reniform glands.
Flowees. — Small, pale red.
Fruit. — Large, from three to four inches broad, and three to three
and a half inches deep : Form, roundish, with a shallow suture ending
in a depression at the summit, one side shghtly larger than the other ;
cavity at the base broad but not very deep : Skin, yellow, streaked and
mottled with red in the shade, and of a lively red in the sun : Flesh,
deep yellow, melting, and rayed with red at the stone, from which it
parts freely : Juice, tolerably abundant, sweet, sprightly and excellent :
Stone, medium size, ovate, not very rugged.
Ripe about the middle of September.
[57]
-.T**
THE CUTTERS YELLOW PEACE,
frmti"' of Amerrca Plate K'
Drawn Froiu Katxrre S Cfiromo [ctli^'brW, SKarp
THE CUTTER'S YELLOW PEACH.
Gutter's Yellow.
Yellow Red Rareripe, Kenrick's American Orchardist.
Red and Yellow Rareripe, Manning's Book of Fruits.
The origin of several of our native peaches is involved in so much
uncertainty, that we have thought it an almost useless task to ascertain
when and by whom they have been produced. The present variety is
one of those whose origin is unknown, or at least one in regard to
which we have been unable to obtain any information.
This peach has been cultivated for several years in the neighborhood
of Boston, and was first introduced to notice by Mr. W. Kenrick, of
Newton, Mass., under the name of the Yellow Red Rareripe, and de-
scribed by him in his American Orchardist. Subsequently, Mr. R.
Manning, in his Book of Fruits, called it the Red and Yellow Rareripe.
But some twelve years ago we obtained trees of Mr. Kenrick, for our
specimen collection, under the name of Cutter's Yellow, which subse-
quently proved to be identical with the Red and Yellow Rareripe. ' Since
then, the trees have been disseminated so extensively under the former
name, that we have thought it best to retain it here. It is the one
under which it is most widely known at the present time ; besides, its
former title of " rareripe" is misapplied, that name being generally given
to the white-fleshed peaches. We object to the multiplication of syno-
nyms ; but in the present instance, and under the circumstances we
have named, we beheve the briefer as well as more expressive name of
Cutter's Yellow, is preferable to the " Yellow Red Rareripe," of Ken-
rick, which should claim priority if any, or the Red and Yellow Rare-
ripe of Manning.
The Cutter's Yellow is one of the hardiest as well as one of the best
peaches ; and its very large and beautiful fruit, almost purple on the
sunny side, render it one of the most desirable of the yellow-fleshed
peaches. It ripens at the middle season between the Early and Late
Crawford.
The tree is a vigorous grower, with an upright habit, making stout
shoots, of a pretty deep red color. It is a very great bearer.
Leaves. — ^Large, crenate, with reniform glands.
Flowees. — Small, dark.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches broad, and three inches deep:
Form, roundish, compressed on the sides, one half much larger than
[59]
CUTTER'S YELLOW PEACH.
the other, with a very shallow suture quite round, ending in a hollow
depression at the summit; cavity at the base, narrow and deep : Skin,
deep orange yellow, suffused with red in the shade, broadly covered with
dark crimson vermiHon in the sun, and very downy on the surface :
Flesh, deep yellow, very melting, rayed with red at the stone, from
which it separates freely : Juice, very plentiful, rich, sweet, sprightly,
and luscious : Stone, medium size, deeply furrowed.
Ripe from the middle to the last of September.
[60]
THE SSELDON PEAR
Fruits of Amerrca PEate 1^°
Drawn. Prom Ifature & CfLroTrio liih'^ Toy W. Sharp.
THE SHELDON PEAR.
Sheldon. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvii. 1851.
Among all the American pears that have been
introduced to notice, during the last twenty years,
few, if any, will take a higher rank than the Sheldon.
It possesses all the characteristics of a fine variety ;
the fruit is of large size, frequently weighing nearly a
pound each, and is prepossessing in its appearance,
having a handsome russety skin, with a ruddy cheek :
its flesh is exceedingly melting and juicy, and its fla-
vor rich, highly aromatized, and luscious : the tree is-
a vigorous gTower, with an erect and symmetrical
habit, and produces regular and abundant crops. Al-
together it, must be considered one of the very finest of our native pears.
The Sheldon was first brought to the notice of cultivators by Mr. E.
L. Leavenworth, of AVolcott, Wayne Co., N. Y., who first exhibited
specimens of the fruit at the Pomological Convention in Buffalo, in
1849 ; and to that gentleman the pubhc are indebted for a full history
of its origin, which appeared in the Magazine of Horticulture, the sub-
stance of which is as follows : —
Major Sheldon's father brought pear seeds from Washington, Dutch-
ess Co., New York, between thirty and forty years since, and planted
them on the place where Maj. Sheldon now lives, in the town of Huron,
(then Wolcott), N. Y. ; from these seeds the trees were raised which
bear the pears known as the Sheldon. The seeds brought from Dutch-
ess County were from pears which grew on a grafted tree, (name not
known,) but were introduced there by an Englishman of the name of
Johnson, and Maj. Sheldon thinks he brought them with him from
England; but Norman Sheldon, an older brother, thinks they were
procured in Boston. The trees, of which there are several, were in
1850, when Mr. Leavenworth sent us this statement, of large size, and
bore several bushels of fruit. Through the kindness of Mr. Leaven-
worth, we obtained scions from the original tree, and our beautiful draw-
ing is made from specimens the produce of these scions, inserted in 1851.
The Sheldon is a moderately vigorous tree, with an erect habit,
branching rather symmetrically, somewhat resembling the White Doy-
enne. It bears freely on trees not more than four or fi.ve years old.
We beheve it does not succeed well upon the quince, though there has
not been sujQ&cient time to give it a trial.
[61]
SHELDON PEAR.
Teee. — Vigorous, upright, erect, symmetrical in shape, with regular
diverging branches ; annual growth rather slender, and nearly straight.
Wood. — Yellowish, dotted with small whitish specks, short-jointed,
rather slender; old wood, yellowish olive; buds, medium size, ovate,
regularly pointed, shghtly diverging, with prominent shoulders : Flower-
buds, medium size, long, sharply pointed.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, long, narrow, tapering to each end,
thin, light yellowish green, glossy, nearly flat, slightly recurved on the
midrib, somewhat wavy, and finely and sharply serrated; petioles, long,
one and a half to two inches in length, moderately stout.
. Flowees. — Small; petals, small, roundish, cupped; clusters compact.
Feuit. — Large, about three inches long, and three inches in diam-
eter: Form, roundish obovate, regular, full at the crown, tapering little
to the stem end, which is very obtuse : Skin, fair, nearly smooth, of a
pale greenish russet, becoming yellowish when mature, bronzy red on
the sunny side, and regularly dotted with small dark russet specks :
Stem, short, about half an inch long, stout, curved,' and inserted, with
scarcely any depression, on the obtuse end: Eye, medium size, open,
and moderately sunk in a smooth, round, not very deep basin ; segments
of the calyx, broad, short, projecting: Flesh, yellowish, rather coarse,
melting, and very juicy : Flavor, exceedingly rich, sprightly, and sugary,
with a delicious aroma : Core, rather large : Seeds, medium size, flat, dark.
KiPE in October, and keeps three or four weeks.
[C2]
TZE ^/ia;^[omet apple
Finnts of Amei'tca, Plate K^
Dra,wa froni Jatirre & CFiromo titk'' 5y lA'^Sfiarp.
THE MANOMET APPLE.
Manomet. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xiv. 1848.
Horseblock, in its native locality.
The Manomet is one of the finest of our early sweet
apples. It is not so large as the Bough, but far sur-
passes it in the beauty of its appearance ; indeed, in
the latter respect it may be classed with the Red Astra-
chan, — which ripens at the same season, — or the Fa-
meuse, as a comparison with the beautiful drawings of
these varieties, which have already appeared, will show.
It is only of medium size ; but it has a pale yellowish
skin, nearly covered with pale red, heightened by a
bright vermilion cheek.
The Manomet is a native of the Old Colony, and was first introduced
to notice by Mr. John Washburn, a zealous cultivator of Plymouth,
Mass., who first sent us fine specimens in 1847, and also subsequently,
from -one of which our drawing was made. We were surprised and
dehghted to find it such a superior apple, and immediately described
and figured it in the Magazine of Horticulture for 1848. Through the
kindness of Mr. Washburn, we were furnished with its history, which*
though brief, we gave at that time. It is a seedling, which sprang up
accidentally on the Holbrook farm, at Manomet Pond village in Plym-
outh, and was for a long time known as the Horseblock apple. Mr.
Washburn proposed to call it the Manomet, " as Manomet Point is the
prominent head of land of Plymouth Bay." With his suggestion we
readily concurred, believing that such an absurd and unmeaning title as
Horseblock, should never be applied to any fruit, especially to one of
such excellence as the present variety. The original tree has been in
bearing many years, and it is certainly somewhat remarkable that it
should not have attracted attention at an earlier period. Its history,
however, is the same as that of a majority of our native fruits, which
have accidentally fallen into the hands of amateurs who could appreciate
their excellence, and aid in making known their superior qualities.
. The Manomet is a very robust grower, stronger, Mr, Washburn
thinks, than even the Baldwin. It has a spreading habit when full
grown, with wood somewhat hke the Gravenstein, and is a good beai-er
every other year. Mr. Washbm-n also states that it will make a tree in
the nursery sooner than any other apple he has ever cultivated.
[63]
MANOMET APPLE.
WTqod, — Dark reddish chestnut, dotted with a very few small whitish
specks, moderately stout, short-jointed, and sHghtly downy ; old wood,
brownish red ; buds, large, broad, slightly flattened, Httle downy, and
erect : Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — ^Large, roundish ovate, broadest about the middle, rounding
off to the point, thick, dark green above, shghtly pubescent beneath,
conspicuously veined, and deeply, coarsely and sharply serrated ; peti-
oles, medium length, about three quarters of an inch long, stout.
Flowees. — Medium size ; petals, cupped.
Feuit. — Medium size, about three inches broad, and two and a half
deep : Form, roundish, regular, flattened at the base, narrowing slightly
to the crown : Skin, very fair, smooth, lemon yellow, covered with a
brilliant vermilion red on the sunny side, little traced with russet at the
base of the stem, and dotted with russet specks : Stem, short, about
half an inch long, slender, straight, and inserted in a rather small, shal-
low cavity : Eye, large, closed, and slightly depressed in a small, finely
furrowed, shallow basin ; segments of the calyx, long : Flesh, yellow,
crisp, and tender : Juice, abundant, very sweet, rich, and finely flavored:
Core, closed : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in August and the early part of September.
[64J
THE PEAR D' ALB RET.
Frmts oF -AniBrtca, Plate K?
Dcciwii from. Nature G G'&ronio Iitri<f BrlA^ oEarp.
THE PEAR D'ALBRET.
Pear d'Albret. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xx. 1854.
Bburre' d'Albret of some Foreign Collections.
Most of the new foreign pears, that have been
brought to notice during the last eight or ten years,
have been heralded with a great reputation, and have,
in consequence, attracted more than usual attention
among cultivators. Some of them have proved fully
equal to their reputed merits, while a larger part of
them have only been of secondary quality, and a few
entirely worthless. Others, again, have been added
to our collections, of whose merits nothing was
known, and from which no high expectations were
formed ; but it has happened, in many instances, that the latter have
proved of the greatest excellence, and have taken their place among the
choicest pears.
The Pear dAlbret is one of the latter description ; unknown only
in the Catalogues of the French or Belgian nurserymen, so far as we
have been enabled to ascertain, it was received with many new kinds
from M. Jamin of Paris, in 1846, and planted out with others of un-
known merit, receiving but little attention until after it produced fruit
in 1850. Even then it did not show its true qualities; the trees being
yet small, and not sufficiently established to fix the character of the va-
riety : but in the following year, and more particularly in the season of
1853, the fruit was so much larger, so rich in color, and of such luscious
flavor, that it at once established its claim to a place among the very
best pears yet introduced.
The origin and history of the Pear dAlbret is unknown to us. Not-
withstanding the efforts of Bivort and other Belgian and French pomol-
ogists to establish a correct nomenclature, there has not yet been
any authentic descriptions pubHshed of many of the new pears, and their
identity must be made out from the Nursery Catalogues. Bivort's Album
de Pomologie has aided much in this work, and the Annals de Pomologie
of the Belgian government will assist still more ; but accurate descrip-
tions and outline engravings, in some journal within the reach of all,
would be the means of enabling cultivators to determine more speedily
the correctness of many of the varieties which are yearly added to our
collections. The Beurre dAlbret of some catalogues proves to be the
same as the dAlbret.
This fine pear fortunately does well upon the quince ; the tree is a
good, though not a strong, grower ; and with a httle care makes a fair
[631
PEAR D'ALBRET.
pyi-amid, though inclined to grow somewhat spreading. It comes into
beaiing rather eai'ly.
Teee. — Moderately vigorous, upright, and somewhat irregularly
branched, making a rather open and loose head; annual shoots, not
very stout.
^ooD. — Dai'k reddish brown, dotted with whitish specks, moderately
sti'ong, rather short-jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ; buds, medium
size, ovate, diverging, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium
size, swollen towards the base, and acutely pointed, deep brown.
Leaves. — Small, about two inches long, and one inch wide, regularly
ovate, narrowing to each end, thin, deep green, glossy, finely nerved,
incurved little at the edges, and very finely serrated ; petioles, medium
length, about one and a quarter inches long, slender.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, narrow, ovate, cupped ; claw, long.
Fruit. — Lai'ge, about four inches long, and three in diameter : Form,
pyi-amidal, lai'gest near the crown, contracted about the middle, with a
somewhat elongated neck : Skin, shghtly rough, cleai' deep cinnamon
russet, bronzed on the sunny side, with dai'k russet specks : Stem, me-
dium length, about one inch long, stout, curved, swollen, fleshy at the
base, and obhquely attached, with a shght cavity on one side : Eye, me-
dium size, partially open, and very little depressed, in a small shallow ba-
sin ; segments of the calyx, short, twisted : Flesh, greenish white, coarse,
buttery, very melting and juicy: Flavor, Adnous, exceedingly rich, and
deliciously perfumed : Core, small : Seeds, small, sharply pointed, dark.
Ripe in October, and keeps two or three weeks.
[66]
)
THE SCOTT S SEETJLIiX& STRAWBFJlET.
Jrmts of Amertca^ Plate fT"^ DraWTt fromlfatixre & CIiromo,Litri'i IjVf.Sh^rp.
THE SCOTT'S SEEDLING STRAWBERRY.
Scott's Seedling. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xx. 1854.
Notwithstanding the great number of Seedling Strawberries that
have been produced by our American cultivators during the past fifteen
years, up to the time of the last Session of the American Pomological
Society in September, 1854, only three varieties were recommended for
general cultivation by that inteUigent body, viz., Hovey's Seedling, Bos-
ton Pine, (Hovey's,) and Early Scarlet; the Burr's Pine and Jenney's
Seedling, which were added to the list in 1852, having been withdrawn
from it and placed among those adapted to particular localities. This
certainly seems somewhat remarkable when we take into consideration
the very large number which have been brought to notice as possessing
peculiar merits, since the introduction of our Seedling in 1835. It
proves, however, that the strawberry, though easily raised from seed,
and early brought into bearing, is not very constant in its character,
and til at the growth of seedlings of superior merit is full as precarious
as that of the larger fruits.
No greater success seems to have attended the experiments of English
cultivators than our own ; for it may be said that there have been but
two really fine varieties raised by them during the last thirty-five years,
viz., Keen's Seedling and British Queen. These, particularly the latter,
still carry off the prizes, wherever exhibited.
We do not make these remarks to discourage the attempts of amateurs
in the grow-th of seedlings ; yet we deem it important tliat all should
know w^hat the luck of others has been, that they may not be disap-
pointed should their first endeavors be attended wdth no success ; what
has been done will be done again ; but it is only by rightly- directed
efforts, and much labor, that the much-wished-for results can be accom-
plished.
Our present variety, Scott's Seedling, is a strawberry which we think
destined to hold a prominent place among the few fine kinds of this
delicious fruit. It was raised by Mr. J. Scott of Brighton, Mass., in 1847.
The parents were the Prince Albert, an English strawberry, and the Bos-
ton Pine ; the former fertilized with the latter. Its merits are the size
of the beriy, their unusual shape, their brilHancy of color, their firm flesh,
and their rich and peculiar flavor. To these are added, hardiness of the
vine, great productiveness, and early maturity, ripening immediately
after the Eai4y Virginia. It also bears carriage remarkably well, and
[67]
SCOTT'S SEEDLING STRAWBERRY.
holds its fine color for a long period after gathering. Mr. Scott has
raised large quantities of it for the Boston market, where its reputation
has become so well estabhshed that it is sought after by lovers of this
fine fruit, always commanding, next to Hovey's Seedling, the highest
price.
Mr. Scott cultivates his plants mostly in beds, allowing the vines to
cover the ground ; in this way his seedling produces very great crops ;
the foliage being rather small, the beds are not crowded, and tlie fruit
is well exposed to the light and air.
Vines. — Moderately vigorous, dwarfish in habit, with spreading foliage,
and making numerous runners.
Leaves. — Medium size; leaflets ovate, generally incurved on tlie
sides, coarsely and rather sharply serrated; surface nearly smooth, light
yellowish green ; petioles short ; leaf-stalks diverging, rather slender,
and of medium length.
Flowers. — Rather small, and regular in form ; petals roundish ; sta-
mens prominent, stout, numerous, with large anthers, abounding in pol-
len ; calyx, large, and spreading, projecting beyond the fruit, sharply
pointed, and generally reflexed at the ends ; scapes moderately stout,
upright, rather loose, longer than the foot-stalks, bearing from fifteen to
twenty berries ; peduncles long, and moderately stout.
Fruit. — Large, long, conical, about one and three quarters inches in
length, and one and a half inches in diameter at the base, rather obtuse
at the summit: Color, deep rich crimson scarlet, with a shining and
somewhat uneven surface : Seeds, yellowish, rather deeply imbedded :
Flesh, pale red, hollow at the core, not over juicy, but rich, buttery,
and melting, with a peculiar orange perfume.
Ripe just after the Early Virginia begins to mature, about the season
of the Boston Pine, and continues in bearing very late.
[68]
#^ 1
TliE CxPL.ri.^X &AGE PLUJVl.
Pruirs of Amsrirca^ Plate A"? Ilrami from FaLicre a Cliromo Lttfi^ by W. Sliarp
' According to Lon. Hort. Soc. Cat. 1842.
THE GREEN GAGE PLUM.
Geeen Gage. Catalogue of London Horticultural Society, 1842.
Brugnon Green Gage,
Damas Vert,
Dauphine,
Drap d'Or, (of some,)
Grosse Reine,
Grosse Reine Claude,
IsLEwoRTH Green Gage,
Reine Claude,
SucRiN Vert,
Verte Bonne,
Wilmot's Green Gage,
Wilmot's New Green Gage,
Wilmot's Late Green Gage,
Reine Claude Dore', Album de Pomologie.
Bru^n Sage, (erroneously) of some American Collections.
The Green Gage has a world-wide reputation, and, by general con-
sent, has long been placed at the head of all plums ; to say that any new
variety nearly approaches, or equals it in quality, is sufficient to render
it a desirable acquisition. Many American seedlings have been pro-
duced since the Green Gage was first introduced, and though several of
them possess great merit, — greater in the aggregate than an equal
number of foreign sorts, — still, none of them, unless we except the
McLaughlin, can be considered equal to that old plum. The sweetness
of its flesh, the abundance of its juice, and the peculiar richness of its
flavor, exist in just those nice proportions, that they neither cloy, nor
leave the taste unsatisfied.
The Green Gage is a very old variety. It first fruited in England, at
Twickenham, as long since as 1727. It was first introduced there by the
Earl of Stair, who sent it from France to the second Duke of Rutland,
by the name of Green Spanish. The name of Green Gage is said, by
Sir Joseph Banks, to have originated as follows : — " The Gage family
in the last century procured from the monks of the Chartreuse, at Paris,
a collection of fruit trees ; when they arrived in England the ticket of
the Reine Claude had been rubbed off on the passage. The gardener
being, from this circumstance, ignorant of its name, called it, when it
bore fruit, Green Gage." {Horticultural Transactions, vol. i., App. p. 8.)
In France it is universally known as the Reine Claude ; but in this in-
stance the name of Green Gage being the popular one everywhere in
England as well as in our own country, we have retained it here.
Mr. George Lindley, in his Guide to the Orchard, (1830,) called it
" without exception the best plum in England." It still holds the same
[69]
GREEN GAGE PLUM.
high position ; for though some of the newer varieties produce larger
fruit, bear better, keep longer, and make finer standard trees, and by a
combination of good qualities are entitled to extensive cultivation, yet,
when quality alone is considered, the Green Gage must carry off the
palm for excellence. Its only fault is the tendency of the fruit to crack
open by the least shower, about the period of its maturity.
The Green Gage is a slow growing, though healthy and vigorous
tree, with a spreading habit, branching low, and scarcely making a fine
standard. The wood is quite distinct, and it may be readily known, when
once seen. In consequence of its slow growth other varieties have fre-
quently been disseminated for it, and we have often seen the Imperial
Gage in collections under the name of Green Gage. The trees are
entirely distinct from each other, and the least study would at once de-
tect the error. The Imperial Gage is a very vigorous, tall-growing tree ;
tlie Green Gage a short, stout, stocky one.
Tree. — Vigorous, spreading in habit, branching low, and forming a
round, open head; annual growth, short, stout and stocky.
Wood. — Dark purplish brown, reddish on the sunny side, and some-
what covered with a grayish epidermis, nearly smooth, and remarkably
short-jointed ; buds, medium size, very close together, slightly diverging,
with very large projecting shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, oval on the young wood, nearly obovate on the
spurs, doubly and somewhat irregularly serrated, smooth, shining and
bright green above, paler underneath; petioles, medium length, about
half an inch long, moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size ; style and stamens about equal length.
Fruit. — Medium size, about one and a half inches in height, and
one and a half in diameter : Form, round, regular, slightly flattened at
the base, with a shallow suture, extending from the stem to the apex :
Skin, green, becoming yellowish at maturity, spotted and marbled with
bright crimson on the sunny side : Stem, medium length, about half an
inch long, little bent, rather stout, and inserted in a small, funnel-shaped
cavity: Flesh, yellowish green, fine, delicate, very melting, and nearly
separates from the stone, slightly adhering on one side : Juice, abun-
dant, very sugary, sprightly, with a most luscious and exquisite flavor :
Stone, large, roundish oval.
Ripe the last of August and commencement of September.
[70 J
H
^
THE ST MICHAEL AHCHA¥GEl PEAPl.
fi-ucts of ilmerrca.,, Plate T? Drayoi frora Jatnre & CfiroTHo Iititf bvW-.SIiarp.
THE SAINT MICHAEL ARCHANGEL PEAR.
Saint Michael Archangel. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xvii. 1851.
Plumbgastel, Magazine of Horticvlture, vol. xii.
DusNASj of some French Cultivators.
The Saint Michael Archange, as it is usually called
in the French Catalogues, is a pear which has but
recently become known to American cultivators, though
it was introduced as long ago as 1840, and fruited in
the late Mr. Manning's collection at Salem, under the
name of Plumbgastel ; subsequently we described and
figured it in the Magazine of Horticulture, (1846) as
a new variety under the latter name, and we contin-
ued to cultivate it for three or four years as the Plumb-
gastel, when we detected the error before it had borne
fruit, from the peculiar character of the tree, which is
so strongly marked that a careful observer could hardly fail to notice it.
It is an excellent pear, of lai^ge size, handsome and regular form, and
delicious flavor. The tree produces sparingly while young, which has
led some cultivators to consider it a shy bearer; but we have found
that scions, inserted in the top of an old tree, grew vigorously and bore
abundantly in three or four years, and the fruit was better than on the
young trees. We think it will become a popular pear. If the fruit is
gathered before it is too ripe, as it should be, it is in eating for a longer
time than most of our early autumn varieties.
The origin of the St. Michael Archangel is unknown ; but it is proba-
bly a French variety, as it has been cultivated for several years in the
nurseries of Rouen. It is also grown at Angers, and in both places
has been described as a fine pear. It grows freely on the quince, and
naturally makes a beautiful pyramidal tree on either that or the pear
stock.
Tree. — ^Veiy vigorous, and very erect in its habit, the branches as-
cending at a very acute angle, and almost perpendicular with the main
stem ; annual shoots, not very long, very stout, straight and erect.
Wood. — Light yellowish olive, sparsely dotted with minute grayish
specks, very short-jointed, stout, straight, and shghtly swollen at the
ends ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, large, long, broad at the base,
diverging, pointed, dark brown, covered with grayish scales, and with
rather prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, oval, elongated,
sharply pointed.
[71]
SAINT MICHAEL ARCHANGEL PEAR.
Flowers. — Small ; petals, oval, roundish, small ; claw, long.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long, and two and a half in
diameter : Form, pyriform, generally regular, large about the middle,
contracted near the stem, and occasionally with an elongated neck:
Skin, fair, smooth, greenish yellow, faintly tinged with red on the sunny
side, russet around the base of the stem, and dotted with greenish
russet specks : Stem, medium length, about one inch long, stout,
smooth, inserted without any cavity, sometimes with slight projections
at the base : Eye, medium size, open, and little sunk in a moderate
sized basin; segments of the calyx, long, reflexed: Flesh, white, fine,
melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich and sugary, with a peculiarly
delicious aroma : Core, large : Seeds, large, dark brown.
Ripe in September, and keeps into October.
[72]
TIE BEUBRE CLAm&EAU TEATl.
Prurts of Ante nc a, r Fate 1°
Drawn from Mature S CI'iroTao Ltti'^ljv ft'. SKarp.
THE BEURRE' CLAIRGEAU PEAR.
Beukke' Clairgeau. Album de Pomologie, vol. iv. p. 145.
No pear of recent introduction has attracted the at-
tention of pomologists more than the Beurre Clairgeau.
Remarkably handsome in its appearance, very large in
size, excellent in quality, a vigorous, erect, and beautiful
growing tree, hardy, early, and an abundant bearer, it
possesses all the qualities that constitute a fine pear.
Preceded with a high reputation, it is gratifying to find
that it has fully maintained its character, and is likely to
prove one of the most popular pears, second only to the
Bartlett, Seckel, and a few others.
The Beurre Clairgeau is a French variety, and was
originated by Peter Clairgeau of Nantes. The parent tree was raised in
1835 or '36, and first bore fruit in 1846 or '47. In 1848, the fruit was
first exhibited before the Horticultural Society of Nantes, and its perfect
form, beautiful exterior, and fine quality, at once established its reputa-
tion. A subscription was immediately opened by several cultivators to
purchase the entire stock ; but as the requisite number (two hundred)
could not be obtained, the trees remained in the hands of the originator.
In 1850, however, M. de Jonghe and other nurserymen completed the
subscription and took the entire stock, in all about three hundred trees
on the quince. These, with the parent tree, were removed to Brussels
in November, 1850. They produced fruit the following year, and
enabled the purchasers to again test its quality, which was found to be
excellent. But it was not till 1852, when the trees had borne another
crop, that they were offered for sale.
The Beurre Clau-geau is a very upright and erect growing tree, more
resembhng the Buffum than any other variety ; but the foHage is larger,
richer and more ornamental. It bears remarkably young, scions inserted
in moderately strong trees producing fruit the following year. It ap-
pears to succeed well upon the quince.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, very upright and erect, branching at a
very acute angle, and making rather stout wood; annual shoots of me-
dium length.
- Wood. — Reddish brown, dotted with rather large whitish specks,
stout and short-jointed ; old wood, brownish olive ; buds, large, long,
sharply pointed, diverging, with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds,
medium size, oval, very sharply pointed.
[73]
BEURRE' CLAIRGEAU PEAR.
Leaves. — Large, roundish ovate, broadest about the middle, rather
thick, deep green, glossy, nearly flat, and coarsely and very slightly ser-
rated; petioles, long, about one and a half inches in length, little tinged
with red, and moderately stout.
Flowers. — Medium size; petals, roundish ovate, neatly cupped;
clusters, compact.
Fruit. — Veiy large, about four inches long, and three inches in di-
ameter : Form, oblong, or obtuse pyramidal, large at the crown, slightly
contracted in the middle, obtuse at the stem, with a somewhat uneven
surface : Skin, slightly rough, of a clear cinnamon russet, with numer-
ous darker colored specks, acquiring, at maturity, a deep reddish tint
on the sunny side : Stem, short, about half an inch long, very stout,
fleshy at the base, obliquely inserted without any cavity, but surrounded
by a few uneven projections : Eye, small, open, and but shghtly de-
pressed in a veiy shallow basin, somewhat ribbed; segments of the
calyx, short, stiff", pointed, complete : Flesh, yellowish, rather coarse,
melting and juicy: Flavor, saccharine, sprightly, perfumed and de-
licious : Core, medium size : Seeds, small, ovate, pointed.
Ripe in November, and keeps nearly a month.
[74]
TSE E DWELL PEA^
Fputts dF Amertea, Plate N*^
Drawn from Satur9 ft CIitoitio Lctlii Br W, S&arp.
THE HOWELL PEAR.
Howell. Magazine of Horticulture, vol xv. p. 69.
The Howell, though of recent introduction
to notice, and not yet very generally cultivated,
proves to be one of our best native pears ; not,
perhaps, so exquisite in flavor as some other
sorts, but possessing so many of the indispensa-
ble requisites of a fine fruit that it must become
a general favorite. The tree is hardy, quite
vigorous, with a good habit, and the fruit is
large, exceedingly fair, always perfect, and of the
first quality.
The Howell is a Connecticut pear, and was
raised from seed by the late Thomas Howell, Esq., of New Haven.
The seeds were planted in his garden in that city, in 1829 or '30, and
the tree came into bearing in 1842 or '43. Mr. Howell's premises
adjoined those of the late Gov. Edwards, whose seedling pears have
attracted considerable attention ; and it was about the time that the
Governor's trees began to bear fruit, that Mr. Howell, incited, no doubt,
by his neighbor's good example, planted the seeds from which this and
several others were raised.
The seeds planted by Mr. Howell were taken from a variety known
in New Haven as the Jonah pear, a very hard and tough winter fruit,
rarely fit for the table. The tree stood in his garden, with a White
Doyenne on one side, and a Summer Bon Chretien on the other. The
Howell evidently is a natural cross between the two, retaining some of
the characteristics of both. It has the habit and the foliage of the
Bon Chretien ; while in the delicacy and fineness of its flesh, and its
brisk and vinous flavor, it approaches the Doyenne : but what appears
rather remarkable is that it should be such a fair fruit, when that from
both of its parents is subject to spot and crack. The experience of four
years has never yet enabled us to find a defective pear on the Howell.
The tree is a free and vigorous grower, with a spreading habit, throw-
ing out its branches quite horizontal at first, but curved upwards at the
ends. It begins to bear rather early, and produces good crops. Whether
it will succeed or not on the quince, we have no satisfactory experience ;
but we are inclined to think that, like most of our American pears, it will
not do well on that stock.
[75]
HOWELL PEAR,
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, but spreading in habit, with the annual
shoots curved, of medium length.
Wood. — Brownish olive, dotted with grayish specks, stout and short-
jointed ; old wood, grayish brown ; buds, medium size, roundish, short,
erect, with large prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, obo-
vate, with brownish scales.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, broadest near the base, shortly pointed,
bright green, glossy, finely nerved, wavy, and very finely serrated ;
petioles, rather long, nearly two inches in length, rather slender.
Flowers. — Medium size ; petals, small, roundish, cupped.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long, and two and a half in diam-
eter : Form, obovate, inclining to pyramidal, regular, rather full and
broad at the crown, and tapering to the stem : Skin, fair, smooth, lemon
yellow when mature, with a shght tinge of blush on the sunny side, and
regularly covered with brownish russet specks : Stem, medium length,
about an inch long, moderately stout, curved, and inserted without any
depression : Eye, rather large, open, and little sunk in a very broad,
smooth basin ; segments of the calyx, rather long and partially reflexed :
Flesh, white, shghtly coarse, melting, and juicy : Flavor, rich, brisk,
and vinous, with a pleasant perfume : Core, medium size : Seeds, rather
large, long and pointed.
Ripe the last of September and beginning of October, and keeps well.
[7G]
THE GAISELLB BEE&AHOT EEAH
Yraits of ArrierrcaPUate ff"
Draw n from, ffatttre & Qiromo LttL'f By- ^V. SRdip,
THE GANSELL'S BERGAMOT PEAR.
Gansell's Bergamot. Pomological Magazine, vol. i. pi. 35.
Brocas Bergamot, \
Ives's Bergamot,
Staunton,
Gurle's Beurre',
Bonne Rouge,
DiAMANT,
According to London Hort. See. Catalogue, 3d Ed.
This tine old pear has been greatly neglected
in the rapid introduction of new varieties ; and
it is not uncommon to find large and choice
collections without a single specimen of this
kind : indeed, some cultivators, well acquainted
with the principal pears that we now possess,
scarcely know the Gansell's Bergamot. How it
happens that a variety of such excellence, and
holding the highest rank in Enghsh collections,
should have been so much neglected, we are at
a loss to imagine ; but probably the fact that it
is an old pear, — introduced along with the White Doyenne, Brown
Beurre, St. Germain, &c., which have long ceased to be generally culti-
vated on account of the uncertainty of the crop, — is the main reason
why its merits have been overlooked.
The Gansell's Bergamot is a pear of English origin, and was obtained
from the seed of the Autumn Bergamot, by Lieut. Gen. Gansell, at his
seat at Donellan Hall, near Colchester, in 1768. It has consequently
been in cultivation nearly a century, and is justly esteemed by British
pomologists a superior fruit. At what period it was introduced into
American collections, we have been unable to ascertain. Mr. Lowell
mentions, among the few sorts cultivated in Massachusetts in 1815, the
Brockholst Bergamot, which was undoubtedly this pear. Coxe culti-
vated it in his collection in New Jersey, and described it in his work
(1818) as a " very fine pear." Probably it was introduced many years
previous, or about the commencement of the present century.
It has the reputation of being a small bearer, but this does not ac-
cord with our experience. True, it is not as prolific as the Bartlett or
Buff'um, but produces what may be termed a good crop, just enough to
keep the tree in fine condition, without the troublesome labor of thin-
ning. The tree has a wild habit, with small bluish green leaves, but by
judicious pruning makes a good head. It is rather late in coming into
bearing, and does not succeed very well on the quince.
[77]
^. GANSELL'S BERGAMOT PEAR.
Tree. — Rather irregular and spreading in its growth, the branches
horizontal at first, with the ends curved upwards ; annual growth, short
and rather slender.
Wood. — Grayish olive, dotted with whitish specks, rather slender,
and short-jointed ; old wood, olive gray ; buds, small, short, obtusely
ovate, diverging, with rather prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, small,
obtusely pointed.
Leaves.— Small, thick, dark bluish green, obovate, cordate at the
base, narrowing to the point, wavy, and very slightly serrated ; young
leaves covered with a kind of mealiness ; petioles, stout, one inch long,
and rather slender.
Flowers. — Small ; petals, roundish obovate, crimped, much cupped ;
clusters, compact.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long, and three and a half in
diameter : Form, regular, roundish, considerably flattened at each end,
and narrowing little towards the stem: Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish
brown, little russeted on the sunny side, and regularly covered with
green and russety specks : Stem, short, about half an inch long, mod-
erately stout, straight, and deeply inserted in a small round cavity :
Eye, medium size, open, and sunk in a large, round, smooth, open ba-
sin ; segments of the calyx, short and narrow : Flesh, yellowish white,
coarse, melting, and very juicy : Flavor, rich, sugary, and delicious,
with a fine bergamot perfume: Core, large: Seeds, small, roundish,
pale brown.
Ripe in October, and keeps two or three weeks.
[78J
«
I*'
^
«£
'*
%
••*
THE JIHOBE iSLATO GREEUmC- APPLE,
i^-LLita of Araerrca Pfate ¥° ^Uroiwri from ¥atare 'tx Cfiromo Iitla-i Iv T/V Slaarp
THE RHODE-ISLAND GREENING APPLE.
Khode-Island Greening. Coxe's View of Fruits, &c.
Jersey Greening, )
Burlington Greening, j According to Core.
Hampshire Greening, according to American Fruit Growers' Guide.
There are few apples better known than the
Rhode-Island Greening, and few, if any, that
surpass it, all its qualities considered. It is
extensively cultivated, and, with the exception of
the Roxbury Russet and Baldwin, is more gen-
erally planted than any other variety. Indeed,
these three apples are the main orchard fruits of
this country, and are not likely soon to be dis-
placed by kinds of more recent introduction. As
a cooking apple, the Greening is unsurpassed;
and as a dessert fruit of its season, has few
equals. To some tastes it is rather acid ; but the tenderness of its
very juicy flesh, the sprightliness of its abundant juice, and the delicacy
of its rich and fine flavor, is not excelled by any of the numerous
varieties that we at present possess. In addition to these merits, it
ripens up of a fine mellow shade of yellow, and its entire flesh, when
well matured, is of the same rich tint.
Of the origin of this old apple we have no certain information.
Coxe, who is the first author who fully describes it, says nothing on this
point. In New Jersey it was in his town, and still is in some localities,
called the Jersey Greening ; but from its name we presume it originated
in Rhode-Island. It seems suited to all soils and localities, and flour-
ishes throughout the Middle and Western States. It was one of the
apples carried to Ohio, by Gen. Putnam, in 1796 or 97, and from thence
distributed over that section of country. In the rich soils of the Ohio
valley the most beautiful specimens are produced ; but though so large
and fair, they hardly equal in quality the produce of our more sterile
soil and varied cHmate. It is a variety that cannot be too extensively
cultivated.
The tree is a vigorous grower, not much inclined to run up, but as-
suming a rather low and branching habit, and consequently does not
make so tall and round a head as the Baldwin ; its branches spread out
more, and, as the tree acquires age, they become somewhat pendent and
nearly touch the ground : it is a regular bearer, producing moderately
[79]
RHODE-ISLAND GREENING APPLE.
every year. Owing partly to the tenderness of its skin, it is more in-
clined to be wormy than some other varieties, which is the only fault,
if this can be considered one, which the Greening possesses.
Teee. — ^Vigorous, with a branching and rather spreading habit, form-
ing a broad, flattened head ; annual growth, moderate.
Wood. — Light reddish chestnut, dotted with a few round white specks,
downy at the ends, moderately stout, and short-jointed; old wood,
grayish chestnut; buds, small, short, broad, much flattened, very erect,
and slightly woolly : Flower-buds, medium size, woolly.
Leaves. — Medium size, long ovate, narrowing next to the stem,
sharply pointed, bright green above, paler and slightly downy beneath,
deeply and sharply serrated ; petioles, medium length, about one inch
long, stout, downy.
Flowers. — Large ; petals obovate, wavy, cupped, and shghtly tinged
with blush.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches broad, and two and
three quarters deep : Form, roundish oblate, slightly flattened at the
base, and indistinctly ribbed : Skin, fair, smooth, with an oily touch, of
a clear deep green, becoming of a mellow yellow when ripe, with a faint
tinge of blush on the sunny side : Stem, medium length, about three
quarters of an inch long, moderately stout, curved, and inserted in a
moderately deep cavity : Eye, small, closed, and slightly depressed in a
somewhat furrowed basin; segments of the calyx, woolly: Flesh, yel-
low, fine, crisp and tender : Juice, very abundant, of a brisk, refreshing
acid, very high flavored and rich : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in December, and often keeps till March.
180J
'.S
\^
THE BEtJRilE GUIS ID HIYEE PEAR
Prutts 0? Amercca, Plate 11"°
DrawnfxomJature & Cliromo IttR^ b)^ W.jiiarp
THE BEURRE' GRIS D'HIVER PEAR.
BEUEiU'y Geis d'Hiver. Album dc Pomolorjie, vol. iii. pi. 49.
Beurre' Gris d'Hiver Nouveau, \
Beurre' DE L1190N, > of some Foreign Collections.
Beurre' Gris Superieure, j
Beurre' de Fontenay, according to London Hort. Soc. Catalogue, 4th Ed.
The Beurre Gris d'Hiver is a very fine addition to
our limited number of winter pears. Nearly or quite
as large as the Glout Morceau, ripening about the
same period, and possessing a peculiarly rich Berga-
mot aroma, unlike any other variety of its season, it
must claim a prominent place in every choice col-
lection of pears.
The origin of the Beurre Gris d'Hiver, like that of
^nt^ several of the best foreign pears, is unknown. Ac-
„a=wL^.__-^. cording to Bivort, it is a French variety, first culti-
vated in Belgium about a dozen years ago. English pomologists do
not appear to be acquainted with it. Kenrick, in his American Orcliard-
ist, briefly notices it on the authority of M. Jamin of Paris ; but the only
full account of it we can find is that by Bivort in the Album de Pomologie
above quoted. We have had it in our collection upwards of ten
years, though the tree only recently came into bearing. It is generally
known as the Beurre Gris d'Hiver nouveau. Under this name we
described and figured it in the Magazine of Horticulture, (vol. xx. p.
144,) with the remark, that we doubted the propriety of the addition of
the word nouveau. Since then we have examined the Album of Bivort,
and adopt the briefer and equally correct one of Beurre Gris d'Hiver,
there being no other variety of that name.
In the general habit of the tree, in the wood and foliage, as well as
the color of the fruit, it greatly resembles the old Brown Beurre,
(Beurre Gris,) from which similarity, we presume, it derived its name ;
but the fruit is more obtuse at the stem. It has the same irregular
and spreading mode of growth, and like that old variety requires good
cultivation to produce fine specimens. In a cold heavy soil the tree
does not flourish well, but in a warm light one it grows freely, and bears
heavy crops. Even in Belgium, Bivort recommends that it should have
a favorable position. It does not succeed long upon the quince, and
the pear stock is preferable for this variety,
[81 J
BEURRE' ORIS D'HIVER PEAR.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, somewhat spreading and irregular in
habit, forming a loose, open head ; annual shoots not very stout, curved.
Wood. — Dark reddish brown, dotted with grayish specks, moderately
stout, and short-jointed; old wood, grayish brown; buds, medium size,
flattened, short, slightly diverging, with rather prominent shoulders :
Flower-buds, medium size, oval, brownish, with large gray scales.
Leaves. — Large, oblong ovate, thick, narrowing to each end, yellow-
ish green, thickly nerved, folded inwards, and very slightly and coarsely
serrated; petioles, medium length, one to one and a half inches long,
stout.
Flowers. — Small; petals roundish, cupped; clusters, compact.
Fruit. — Large, about three inches long, and three in diameter :
Form, obovate, slightly one sided, tolerably full at the crown, tapering
little to the stem end, which is very obtuse : Skin, slightly rough, dull
yellow, nearly or quite covered with a rather dark cinnamon russet,
bronzed on the sunny side, and dotted with dark specks : Stem, short,
about half an inch long, rather stout, curved, fleshy at the base, and
obliquely inserted, without much of a cavity, with a projection on one
side : Eye, small, open, and shghtly depressed in a small, smooth basin ;
segments of the calyx, short, rounded: Flesh, yellowish white, coarse,
melting, and very juicy: Flavor, rich, saccharine, sprightly, and highly
aromatized : Core, large, slightly gritty : Seeds, medium size, dark brown.
Ripe in December, and keeps till February.
[82]
0t
THE GOLMAH D AHEMBEHG TEAR.
IruTts of Amercca, Plate F° Drawn from latiii-e & Ciromo IrtEf lYW.Sl:ivp.
THE COLMAR D'AREMBERG PEAR.
CoLMAR d'Arembeeg. Magazine of Horticulture, vol xiv. p. 110.
Kartoffel, Alburn de Pomologie, vol. i.
The Colmar dAremberg is one of the few pears
whose reputation does not seem to be fully established.
Its character appears to be variable ; sometimes excel-
lent, and again of only medium quality; and more
experience is wanting to test its real merits. So far,
however, as Ave have had an opportunity of seeing it
under various conditions of soil, locality and exposure,
we consider it a variety well worthy of cultivation. It
is of the largest size, nearly equal to the Duchess of
Angouleme, often weighing eighteen or twenty ounces,
and when well groAvn, and properly ripened, so nearly approaches a Passe
Colmar, that we have known good judges to mistake it for that fine pear.
The origin of the Colmar dAremberg is attributed to Van Mons.
M. Bivort, who figures it in his Album under the name of Kartoffel,
remarks that his information in regard to the variety was commimi-
cated by M. Millot of Nancy, who states that it originally came from
Van Mons without name, marked No. 224, which corresponds, in his
printed Catalogue of 1825, to the Kartoffel birne : hence, he observes,
it has been called one of his seedlings, notwithstanding its name indi-
cates a German origin. It was introduced to our American Collections
in 1845, and first fruited, we believe, in 1847.
The Colmar dAremberg is a distinct growing tree : very erect and
upright in its habit, making but few lateral shoots, and those very strong
and vigorous; the whole being studded with numerous short stocky
spurs. It succeeds very well upon the quince, requiring good cultiva-
tion to produce large specimens.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright and erect in habit, branching
off at an acute angle : annual shoots, very stout, downy at the ends.
Wood. — Yellowish brown, dotted with numerous small roundish rus-
set specks, stout, and short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds,
small, short, flattened, little diverging : Flower-buds, medium size, ovate,
angular, pointed, dark shining brown, little shaded with gray.
Leaves. — Large, narrow oval, tapering to the point, thick, deep
glossy green, flat, coarsely and deeply serrated; petioles, medium length,
about one and a quarter inches long, stout.
Flowers. — Small ; petals small, roundish ovate, cupped ; clusters,
compact.
[83J
COL MAR D'AKEMBEKG PEAR,
Fruit.— ^ Very large, about four and a half inches long, and three
and a half in diameter: Form, obtusely pyramidal, with an uneven
surface, largest about the middle, rounding off to the crown, and taper-
in »• to the stem, near which it is little contracted on one side : Skin,
fair, sliglitly rough, pale green, becoming yellowish when mature, traced
and netted with russet around the crown and stem, and thickly covered
with conspicuous, reddish russet specks: Stem, medium length, about
an inch long, stout, shghtly swollen at the base, and obliquely inserted in
a slight cavity, with a high projection on one side : Eye, medium size,
open, and very deeply sunk in a large funnel-shaped, somewhat angular
basin ; segments of the calyx very short, and rounded : Flesh, yellowish
white, fine, melting, half buttery, and juicy: Flavor, rich, sugary, per-
fumed, and excellent : Core, large : Seeds, large, broad, dark brown.
Ripe in November and December.
84]
:«».
THE WHITE B
EtiuIs oF Amerce aPlate T!
PEAR
iritvia tidih Ifature 3, Cliroiuo Xith'^By- WSIiarp.
THE WHITE DOYENNE' PEAR.
White Doyenne'. Pomologlcal Magazine, vol. ii. pi. 60.
St. Michael, of Boston.
A'lUGALiEU, of New York.
Butter Pear, of Philadelphia.
Doyenne' Blanc, of French authors
White Beurre',
Snow Pear,
Poire de Limon,
According to Cat. of
Lon. Hort. Soc.
Poire Niege,
Poire de Seigneur,
Bonne Ente,
Beurre' Blanc,
Pine Pear,
A CouRTE Queue,
Dean's, &c., &;c.,
According to Cat. of
Lon. Hort. Soc.
The White Doyenne is the Avorld-renowned pear, and
one that has been— if it is not at the present time —
more extensively cuUivated than any other. The proof
of its popularity is the great number of names that have
been given to it, both in Europe and this country. As
the St. Michael, Virgalieu or Butter pear, it is familiar
to all who know anything of a pear in the Eastern or
Middle States. So strong are our early associations
connected with it, that we form our opinion of every
new pear by a comparison Avith this; nor were the
older pomologists mistaken in their estimate of the White Doyenne; for
it still is, when ripened in perfection, unrivalled by few, and surpassed
by none, of more recent introduction.
Unfortunately, the White Doyenne for a long time has failed to per-
fect its fruit in many parts of the country, more particularly in New
England, and its cultivation has been neglected for other and more cer-
tain sorts ; but in New York and the W^estern States it still matures
its superb fruit in abundance and perfection. Whether it will ever be
restored to its original excellence in localities heretofore affected re-
mains to be seen ; but luckily we have it in our means to obviate its
defects in some degree ; after an experience of several years we have
found it to produce the finest specimens upon the quince stock, when
other trees upon the pear, growing side by side, have borne nothing
but spotted, cracked, and worthless fruit.
The White Doyenne is of French origin, and was one of the first
good dessert pears brought to this country nearly a century ago. Un-
der favorable conditions it groAvs freely, and produces immense crops.
It prefers a rich, deep, Avarm soil, and if it can always have such a loca-
tion it will rarely fail to mature the finest fruit. It flourishes admirably
as a pyramid on the quince, and is one of the feAv sorts that make large
vigorous trees on that stock. It bears at an early age, even upon the
pear.
[85]
WHITE DOYENNE' TEAK.
Tree. — Vigorous, with an upright regular habit, and erect branches,
forming a fine pyramidal head ; annual shoots long, straight, erect.
Wood. — Yellowish brown, dotted with roundish gray specks, moder-
ately stout, and short-jointed ; old wood, yellowish ohve ; buds, small,
short, ovate, diverging, with small shoulders : Flower-buds, medium
size, dark brown, with grayish scales.
Leaves. — Medium size, rather narrow, tapering to each end, Hght
green, folded inwards, recurved on the midrib, with fine, regular serra-
tures ; petioles, medium length, about an inch long, rather slender.
Flowers. — Small ; petals ovate, neatly cupped ; clusters compact.
Fruit. — Medium size, about three inches long, and two and three
quarters in diameter : Form, obovate, regular, full at the crown, taper-
ing to the stem, where it ends obtusely : Skin, fair, smooth, clear pale
yellow when mature, tinged with a beautiful red on the sunny side, and
regularly sprinkled with small russet specks : Stem, medium length,
about three quarters of an inch long, moderately stout, curved, and in-
serted in a very small rounded cavity : Eye, small, closed, and sunk in
a very shallow, open basin ; segments of the calyx, small and short :
Flesh, white, fine, melting, very buttery, and juicy : Flavor, rich, sug-
ary, sprightly, delicately perfumed, and delicious : Core, medium size :
Seeds, medium size.
Ripe in October, and keeps three or four weeks.
[86]
*
THE LADY SWEET APPLE.
Prints op AmertRa, Plate ff°
J)rawri [rom Katxtre & CJiromo LitM- Ir T/^r.Sfiarp.
THE LADIES' SWEETING APPLE.
Ladies Sweeting. Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
The Ladies' Sweeting has attracted unusual at-
tention among orchai'dists and cultivators of fruit,
and it has been pronounced by some as " far the
finest" winter sweet apple yet produced. It is a
very beautiful looking fruit, comparing, in this re-
spect, with the Baldwin, and possesses the excel-
lent quality of keeping into April and May, without
the loss of juiciness and flavor, so general with most
of our sweet apples. It has not the rich sweet of
the Broadwell, which also keeps very late, but Avhat
little it loses in this respect is made up in its showy appearance : nei-
ther is it so vigorous a growing tree as the Tolman or Danvers Winter
Sweet, and some others, but, taking its combined qualities, it must be
considered a very valuable variety.
The Ladies' Sweeting, according to Mr. Downing, originated in the
vicinky of Newburg, N. Y., and for a long time previous to his account
of it in the Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, had only a local reputa-
tion,— confined to the banks of the Hudson. The ti'ees were first dis-
seminated from the nurseries of Messrs. Downing, upwards of a dozen
years ago, but owing to their moderate growth it is only within a year
or two that they have come into bearing beyond their native locality ;
consequently the fruit is yet too sparingly produced to find its way into
the markets.
It has been supposed by some cultivators that it would not succeed
so well in our New England climate as in its native locality on the
Hudson ; but that, like the Newtown Pippin and some other sorts, it
would require a more genial climate and warmer soil. A short expe-
rience, however, proves that it flourishes as well as the Baldwin. In
the garden of the late Capt. Lovett of Beverly, who was one of the first
to introduce it here, finer specimens have been raised than we have ever
seen elsewhere, and our beautiful drawing is made from fruits received
from his collection in 1854. We can safely commend it as suited to
our New England orchards.
The tree is a slow grower, making slender annual growths, and an
open roundish head. It is late in coming into bearing, but ultimately
produces abundant crops.
[87]
LADIES' SWEETING APPLE.
Tree. — Moderately vigorous, upright, branching off at an open angle,
making a roundish head ; annual growth short, downy at the ends.
Wood. — Reddish chestnut, slender, and short-jointed ; old wood,
brownish chestnut; buds, small, short, flattened, erect: Flower-buds,
small, woolly.
Leaves. — Small, ovate, broad at the base, narrowing to the point,
thick, deep green, prominently and coarsely veined, downy beneath,
sharply and deeply serrated, and slightly recurved on the midrib ; pe-
tioles, short, about half an inch long, stout, downy.
Flowers. — Small ; petals round, concave, of a rather dingy shade of
white ; clusters, small.
Fruit. — Large, about three and a half inches broad, and three
inches deep : Form, roundish, regular, very shghtly ribbed, and nar-
rowing very little to the crown : Skin, fair, smooth, with a greenish yel-
low ground, broadly covered with light red, and rather faintly striped
with crimson, deepest on the sunny side, and dotted with numerous
yellowish specks : Stem, short, less than half an inch long, stout, and
rather deeply inserted in a medium-sized, funnel-shaped cavity : Eye,
rather large, open, and little sunk in a small ribbed basin ; segments of
the calyx, woolly : Flesh, greenish white, fine, crisp and very tender :
Juice, abundant, sweet, rich, and finely flavored: Core, large, open :
Seeds, large, very long, and sharply pointed.
Ripe in January, and keeps well into April and May.
[88]
THE BETJ'HTlE EEAITMOIJT PEAH.
T'cKcts of Amexrca, Plate F°
Uravn from feture & Oiiromo Iittft'C IjW.SJiaTj)
THE BEURRE^ BEAUMONT PEAR.
Beuere' Beaumont. Keurick's American Orchardist.
Beurre' Le Fevre, ^ n T,
T!r.TTr,,,r^ Af ? of some French Collections.
iSEURRE' DE MoNTEFORTAINE, )
The Beurre Beaumont is a most excellent
pear, and well deserves more attention than it
has hitherto received. In its general character it
approaches the Andrews, and, if it resembled it
in form, might be readily mistaken for that vari-
ety. Its flesh has the same butteiy textm-e, and
g^ its juice much of its rich spicy aroma. But, be-
yond this, there is no similarity in the two ; for,
while the Andi'ews is a somewhat j^yramidal-shaped
fruit, the Beaumont is a roundish one, and could
never be mistaken for it. It matures at, the same
season, keeps about the same length of time, and will not suffer by a
comparison with that old, highly esteemed, and truly luscious but too
much neglected pear.
The Beurre Beaumont was introduced into our collections fifteen or
twenty years ago, and first fruited at Salem, from whence we had fine
specimens, which we described and figured in the 2Iagazine of Horticul-
ture, (vol. xi. p. 331.) It has since been much disseminated under this
name, but whether it is its legitimate one or not we ai'e unable to deter-
mine. Two other pears, received by us from France as the Bern-re Le
Fevre and Beurre Montefortaine, have proved synonymous with the
Beurr^ Beaumont; but in the present confusion of names, and in the
absence of accurate descriptions, it is difficult to decide which should
have priority. The Beurre Le Fevre is a very old peai', raised in 1804;
yet it appears to be wholly unkno"«Ti to English pomologists, and is only
briefly described by a few French authors. With such information,
therefore, as we have been able to find in regai'd to it, we have thought
it best to adhere to the familiar name of Beurre Beaumont, under which
it has been widely disseminated, and under which it will be eveiywhere
recognized.
The tree is a rather irregulai*
grower, with diverging and often
drooping branches, and is somewhat difficult to train into a good pyra-
mid. It thrives exceedingly well on the quince, and may be set down
as one of the sorts which may be generally cultivated on that stock.
[89]
BEURRE' BEAUMONT PEAR.
Tree. — Moderately -vigorous, irregular and somewhat straggling in
habit, with diverging or nearly horizontal branches; annual growth
rather slender, curved.
Wood. — Brownish olive, sparsely dotted with grayish specks, rather
slender and short-jointed ; old wood, grayish olive ; buds, medium size,
ovate, sharply pointed, very diverging, with small shoulders : Flower-
buds, medium size, ovate, obtuse, light brown, with gray scales.
Leaves. — Medium size, narrow ovate, broadest near the base, taper-
ing to the point, deep green, wavy, and slightly and sharply serrated;
petioles, about two inches long, slender.
Flowers. — Medium size; petals, roundish oval, cupped; clusters,
compact.
Fruit. — Medium size, about two and a quarter inches long, and two
and a quarter in diameter : Form, roundish obovate, largest in the mid-
dle, full at the crown, and rounding off to the stem : Skin, fair, smooth,
yellowish green in the shade, broadly marbled with brownish red in the
sun, and thickly and regularly covered with dark green specks, assuming
a ruddy color on the exposed side : Stem, short, about three quarters of
an inch long, brown, inserted in a very shallow cavity, often contracted
and swollen on the sides : Eye, medium size, closed, and moderately
sunk in a round basin; segments of the calyx, medium length, pointed,
stiff: Flesh, white, fine, buttery and juicy: Flavor, rich, sweet, per-
fumed and excellent : Core, medium size : Seeds, large, dark brown.
Ripe the middle of September, and keeps three or four weeks.
[90 J
TKE ADAMS PEAP.
ftuits of Amercca.TlaleS"
Iirawa froHiFahrre S- CTironio LrtlL'iC J-^r^'r Sfiai'p
THE ADAMS PEAR.
Adams. Magazine of Horticulture, vol. xx. 1854.
The Adams is one of the recent additions to oirr
increasing list of American pears, and may justly claim
a prominent place among our best varieties. It ripens
at an opportune season, just as the Bartlett is past its
prime, and well supplies the place of that popular
variety, resembhng it much in appearance, — surpassing
it in beauty, — rivalling it in productiveness, — and ex-
celling it in quality. If it equalled it in size, — a quality
deemed so essential by many, — it would undoubtedly
be considered the greatest of recent acquisitions.
The Adams is a Massachusetts pear, and was raised in Waltham by
Dr. H. Adams, a zealous amateur of that place. Through his kindness
we were early supplied with the scions, and, after fruiting it in our col-
lection, we gave a full account of it in the Magazine of Horticulture,
accompanied with a brief history of its origin by Dr. Adams, in which
he states that "it was produced in his garden, and was grown from a
fruit of the Seckel which stood near a Bartlett. The seed was planted
in the autumn of 1836, and first bore fruit in 1848. It is a vigorous
tree, and an abundant and constant bearer, never having failed to per-
fect a crop since it began to bear." We named it the Adams in honor
of its originator.
It is undoubtedly the result of an accidental cross of the Seckel with
the Bartlett ; for the tree, in its growth and habit, resembles the Seckel,
while the leaves and fruit resemble the Bartlett. The fruit also, in a
degree, seems to combine the characteristics of the two ; being more
brisk and sprightly than the Bartlett, with something of the flavor of
the Seckel. We have fruited it now for four or five years, and do not
hesitate to pronounce it one of our best pears.
The tree is a vigorous grower, with an upright and nearly erect habit,
making a rather compact and fine pyramidal head, even without the aid
of the pruning-knife, somewhat resembling the Seckel. It does not
appear to thrive very well upon the quince. It comes into bearing
rather early.
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, erect, and very symmetrical in habit,
forming its branches regularly and at a rather acute angle ; annual
growth moderately stout, straight, and of medium length.
A D A 1\I s r I-: A R .
Wood. — Dark reddish brown, thickly dotted with large, round, grayish
specks, rather stout and short-jointed; old wood, grayish brown; buds,
medium size, broad, short, curved inwards at the point, nearly erect,
with prominent shoulders : Flower-buds, medium size, obtuse.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, broadest about the middle, tapering
to each end, recurved on the midrib, folded inwards on the sides, thick,
dark green, deeply and sharply serrated; petioles, medium length, about
one and a half inches long, moderately stout.
Flowees. — Small ; petals small, ovate ; clusters, compact.
Feuit. — Large, about three inches long, and two and a half in diam-
eter : Form, pyramidal, full at the crown, contracted slightly in the
middle, obtuse at the stem, with an uneven surface, something like the
Bartlett: Skin, fair, smooth, deep yellow, tinged with red on the sunny
side, dotted all over with russet specks, and slightly russeted at the base
of the stem : Stem, short, about half an inch long, stout, wrinkled,
fleshy at the base, and obliquely inserted without any cavity : Eye,
small, closed, and set even with the crown, surrounded with a few small
uneven ribs ; segments of the calyx, short : Flesh, white, fine, melting
and very juicy : Flavor, rich, brisk, vinous, perfumed and excellent :
Core, small : Seeds, medium size, brown.
Bipe in September, and keeps into the middle of October.
[92]
%
THE DOWMR, iDIIERHT.
Irmts oF AmeTTca.Plalre 1°
Drawn. ixoiu Ifature fi; diroino, LtUx^ By^-Siarp
THE DOWNER CHERRY.
Downer. Kenrick's American Orclmrdist.
Downer's Late, Fruits and Fruit Trees of America.
Downer's Late Red, Trans. Mass. Hort. Soc, vol. 1.
Downer's Native Mazzard, JV. E. Farmer, vol. 8.
Previous to 1830, all the good cherries m cultivation around Boston,
or we might say in the country, with two or three exceptions, were
foreign varieties, introduced from Europe, — the Black Tartarian, May
Duke, and Black Heart being the most prominent. The American
cherries were the Sparhawk's Honey and the Downer, the former at that
time confined to a few collections, and the latter, principally or entirely
to the garden of the originator. There may have been other native
seedhngs, and undoubtedly there were some of tolerable merit, but these
were the only two which attracted the attention of the earlier pomolo-
gists. Indeed, at that time it was hardly supposed that a native variety
could be equal to the imported sorts, and hence, if they existed, their
good qualities were overlooked. It was so with the Downer, which was then
designated as a mazzard, even by Mr. Downer, by whom it was raised.
But the time had come when attention was directed to our own
native fruits. Through the exertions of General Dearborn, R. Manning,
and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which had then just organ-
ized, and especially through the labors of Mr. Downer, they began to
attract the notice of cultivators, and receive the credit to which their
great merits entitled them. They v/ere then first brought prominently
before the public at the exhibitions of the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society, and were described and figured in the Neio England Farmer.
The Andrews, Dix, Lewis, and Gushing pears, though raised many years
previous, were then first disseminated among cultivators. It was thus
shown conclusively from the best of evidence, — the fruits themselves, —
that they were equally as meritorious as the best foreign productions.
The cherry seems to have been more neglected than other fruits ;
for, while we could enumerate many native apples, pears, and plums,
there were only two or three cherries. Mr. Manning, whose discerning
eye early discovered the excellent qualities of our native fruits, and saw
in the Downer cherry the germ of what properly directed efforts would
achieve, began the growth of seedlings, and, in a few years, succeeded
in producing some very fine kinds. Dr. Kirtland, of Rockport, Ohio,
also became very early interested in the improvement of this fruit, and
his labors have undoubtedly added more to our stock of fine varieties
than those of all other cultivators combined. He has raised upwards of
[93]
DOWNER CHERRY.
thirty seedlings, several of which have no superior, and but few equals.
Other pomologists have, later, turned their attention to the cherry, and
we may now safely challenge the old world to produce a dozen as fine
varieties as the new.
The Downer originated in the garden of the late Samuel Downer, of
Dorchester, Mass., and the original tree is still standing, a specimen of
vigorous old age, in the garden of his son. It was raised nearly fifty
years ago, and has never, we believe, failed to produce a larger or smaller
crop since it began to bear, though the tree has been cleared of its
young wood, time and time again, so popular has been this variety, and
so liberally were the scions distributed by the owner.
It was about the year 1830, that Mr. Downer first published a notice
of this cherry, which he called his Native Mazzard. In the account
which he then gave of it, he stated that it was " a constant and great
bearer, and has not failed to yield abundantly each season for the last
ten years ; tree does not run up like the mazzard, but is formed more
lilve the May Duke ; ripens late, same time as common mazzard ; on
this account it is more valuable: stands high with the marketman,
and commands a good price. I planted the stone of the above men- .
tioned tree twenty-two years ago. It has never been moved from the
place where it originally sprung up."
Tree. — Vigorous, upright, little spreading, with the branches diverg-
ing at a broad angle ; annual shoots rather short, but moderately stout.
Wood. — Clear light brown, shghtly covered with a thin, grayish
epidermis, short-jointed, stout; old wood, pale brown; buds, medium
size, ovate, diverging, with small shoulders.
Leaves. — Medium size, oblong ovate, rather narrow, about four
inches long and two inches wide, broadest in the middle, tapering to
each end, sharply pointed, deep green, unequally and doubly serrated ;
petioles, medium length, more than an inch long, with two ovate, dark
red glands near the base of the leaf.
Flowers. — Small ; petals roundish, cupped ; style and stamens about
equal length.
Fruit. — Medium size, about seven eighths of an inch broad, and
three quarters of an inch long : Form, roundish heai't-shaped : Skin,
clear light red, of a semi-transparent appearance, and beautifully mottled
with amber in the shade : Stem, medium length, about one and a half
inches long, rather slender, and inserted in a small shallow cavity:
Flesh, dark amber colored, very tender and melting : Juice, plentiful,
brisk, sweet, delicious, and high flavored : Stone, roundish oval.
Ripe from the first to the middle of July.
[94]
♦^
TH3 llimSTETi APPL"E
acs cr ASiicnccL^h^e ¥°
JJciWi'L Pf'oir Natnre &, CLroiaoIctM by- WlSSaTp
THE MINISTER APPLE,
MiNisTEE. Manning's Booh of Fruits.
The Minister apple is far less extensively culti-
vated than its merits deserve. In Essex County,
Massachusetts, where it originated, it is considerably
disseminated, and is esteemed, by all who know it,
as one of the very best winter apples ; not certainly
as the latest keeper, but in the tenderness of its
flesh, in the abundance of its sprightly juice, and
the delicacy of its flavor, unsurpassed in the months
of December and January, when it is in its greatest
perfection. It is also very prepossessing in its
appeai'ance, as well as distinct in its form, having a delicate pale yellow
and waxy-looking skin, beautifully and most distinctly striped with pale
crimson; while its oblong conical form, similar to the Bellflower, and
very peculiar formation about the stem, render it one of the most dis-
tinct as well as one of the most easily recognized of all apples.
The Minister originated on the farm of the late David Saunders,
of Ipswich village, near Rowley, Mass., but at what period we have
been unable to ascertain. It was first brought to notice by the late
Dr. Spring, of Newburyport, who purchased the first fruit that was
brought to market, and from this circumstance it was called the Minis-
ter apple. It soon came under the notice of the late R. Manning, of
Salem, who was always collecting whatever appeared new and promising,
for his pomological garden, and through his exertions it was introduced
to the notice of cultivators generally. Subsequently, the late Capt.
Lovett, of Beverly, added it to his collection, which embraced all the
finest apples ; he considered it a most valuable variety, and, for many
successive years, exhibited superior specimens before the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society.
We have remarked that it is not so extensively cultivated as many
other apples, being confined chiefly to Massachusetts. Among all tlie
varieties brought before the Ohio Pomological Convention at its seven
sessions up to 1856, we do not find even its name mentioned, showing
how little it is disseminated in the West. It has never yet found its
way to the Boston market in any quantity. Possessed of so many good
qualities this may appear surprising, and it shows how slowly even our
best fruits acquire a general reputation, or become extensively known.
The Minister is a fair growing tree, upright in habit, rather slender
[93]
MINISTER APPLE.
while young, but forming, at mature age, a good round head. It comes
into bearing moderately early, and produces abundant crops.
Teee. — Moderately vigorous, upright in its growth, forming its
Jbranches at an acute angle, with rather slender annual shoots; old
trees making a good head.
Wood. — Dark reddish chestnut, dotted with numerous grayish
specks, rather slender and short-jointed; buds, small, ovate, short,
flattened, with prominent shoulders ; old wood, grayish chestnut :
Flower-buds, medium size.
Leaves. — Medium size, ovate, narrowing to each end, sharply pointed,
thick, bright green above, pale and slightly downy beneath, recurved on
the midrib, little folded inwards, wavy, and rather deeply and sharply
serrated ; petioles medium length, about one inch long, moderately stout.
Flowee,s. — Large, nearly white ; petals, ovate, cupped ; clusters, large.
Fruit. — Large, about two and a half inches broad, and two and
three quarters deep : Form, oblong conical, similar to the Bellflower,
ribbed at the base, which is flattened, and tapering to the crown, which
is small, and also somewhat ribbed : Skin, fair, smooth, pale greenish
yellow, very distinctly and u'regularly striped with bright red : Stem,
rather short, about half an inch in length, slender, and inserted in a
small, irregular and shaUow cavity : Eye, small, closed, and little sunk
in a small, furrowed basin ; segments of the calyx, short, twisted :
Flesh, yellowish white, fine, ciisp, and very tender: Juice, plentiful,
rich, subacid, brisk, and high-flavored : Core, rather large, and partially
open : Seeds, small, obovate, plump.
Ripe in December, and keeps tifl February,
[96]
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